Locally sourced news.
Our best stories from April 2021
Nº09 - MAY 2021
AsSpotlight filming booms in DeKalb Dekalb: County, local communities are ready for their close-up SUMMARY 4 From the Editor: Superintendent David Dude is gone, but the School Board is 6 still accountable 6 ‘Booming:’ Film and TV production levels up in DeKalb
9 Superintendent David Dude leaving City Schools of Decatur
10 Matthew Zadok Williams’ gunshot wounds were survivable if police provided medical attention, doctor says
12 PHOTOS: Tucker hosts Easter Egg Hunt
14 Georgia executives come out against new voting law, legislators target tax break 5 16 Dear Decaturish: Letters to the Editor 17 George on Georgia: Stonecrest Stumbles
18 Flicks With Nicki: Chaos versus Monsters
20 Decaturish.com hires first full time 12 reporter
22 PHOTOS: Tucker holds first Earth Day celebration, launches youth recreational baseball league
24 Decatur will get $8.1 million in COVID-19 relief
27 DeKalb Health Director Elizabeth Ford taking job with Biden administration
29 Small Business Spotlight: Banjo Coffee
30 Atlanta Breakfast Club buys Le Petit 12 Marche, promises not to change a thing
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Advertising Jeff Cochran [email protected]
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17 On the cover: Scenes from the set of the DC Comics show ‘Naomi’ being filmed for the CW network in the Decatur Square on Wednesday, 2 April 7, 2021. Photo by Dean Hesse. DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 (ADVERTISING)
3 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 FROM THE EDITOR
Superintendent
David Dude is ear valued supporters, tions the board has either ignored or said it would answer but ultimately never did. gone, but the A long-running series of in- At this point, I can either accept that the vestigative stories is something answers are never coming and move on or that small local newspapers I can continue to put pressure on the School School Board is used to do all the time, if they Board until they tell the public the truth about Dwere worth a damn. Holding elected officials’ what’s happening. The former is not an option still accountable feet to the fire requires more than publishing because the latter is a professional obligation. a story or two and hoping elected officials will And that means we’re going to be talking simply do the right thing. It requires vigilance, about this more in the weeks and months tenacity and commitment. ahead, even when people are tired of it and As papers have cut back, this type of repor- have moved on, as some of our readers already ting has become rarer. It’s resource intensive have. It’s not my desire to bore or alienate you, and shrinking newsrooms don’t always have but if your local news outlet isn’t demanding the time to delve deeper when they’re strug- these answers and holding elected officials -ac gling to keep their heads above the water. But countable for their actions, who will? some stories are worth the trouble. Minding the public’s business is the busi- In April, our long-running investigation of ness I have chosen. It doesn’t always make peo- Superintendent David Dude yielded results: ple happy, especially when people are spen- Dude is out as superintendent after nearly six ding thousands of dollars to live in a privileged years. The School Board hired an independent school district like Decatur. Hell, it doesn’t firm to investigate allegations that Dude took always make me happy. But without accoun- more vacation than his contract allowed and tability and transparency, something like this then earned $100,000 by cashing out the days could happen again. he claimed he did not use. Decatur deserves better. Its students, their This is not a boast, but a statement of fac- parents and teachers, are owed an explana- ts. Without our coverage of this issue, it’s very tion. And the only people who can provide it likely that an investigation that preceded Du- are members of the School Board. NEW OUTDOOR EXHIBIT Dan Whisenhunt de’s departure wouldn’t have occurred. Here’s I’ve made my case to the board chair. I’ve Editor & Publisher another fact: without continued coverage of told her the questions will continue. The sto- this issue, the investigation will be shelved and ries won’t stop. The only thing we’re discussing the truth about what occurred will never be here is whether it’s going to be a whole sum- known. mer’s worth of stories or two or three more to April 17 - Aug. 29 That simply can’t happen. The real accoun- resolve these various plot threads. tability comes when we have a full picture of If you see another story about this situation how we got here. and it annoys you, don’t blame me. Take it up Who was monitoring when Dude was taking with the School Board. They have an obligation time off? Who was responsible for the lopsided to be transparent and candid with the public. Explore large-scale sculptures of animals, contract that made it harder and more expen- They have neglected that obligation. sive to fire Dude? Which board members were Until that changes, we have to do what we nests, flowers and more, created in the architects and enablers of this situation? have to do. It’s our job. Thank you for unders- Some board members are more responsible tanding. partnership with local artists. than others, simply because they’ve been on On an unrelated note, I want to again con- the board longer and should know all the facts. gratulate our new reporter, Zoe Seiler, our first But the board has acted in lockstep throughout full time hire. I’ve already heaped praise on Habitat was developed by Smithsonian Gardens and is made available by the this whole ordeal, keeping their disagreemen- her, but it’s worth doing so again. She’s smart, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. ts behind closed doors and keeping the public professional and hardworking. This job is her largely in the dark about what’s happening. passion and telling your stories is her mission. The secrecy surrounding this situation She’s going to be great and you can feel good needs to end. The School Board has had plenty knowing your money is helping us grow our of time to get its act together and get its story company and fulfill our mission of telling the straight. Five lawsuits notwithstanding, the truth without fear or favor. School Board should be able to answer basic Until next month, I remain your grateful questions like whether Dude was fired for cau- editor, publisher and community reporter. se or whether the School Board gave him any money on his way out the door. And those are just the questions du jour. A WORLD OF WOW I’ve been asking about this since January, ques- —Dano FernbankMuseum.org Atlanta’s Science and Nature Experience 4 @FernbankMuseum DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 NEW OUTDOOR EXHIBIT April 17 - Aug. 29
Explore large-scale sculptures of animals, nests, flowers and more, created in partnership with local artists.
Habitat was developed by Smithsonian Gardens and is made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
A WORLD OF WOW
FernbankMuseum.org Atlanta’s Science and Nature Experience @FernbankMuseum 5 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 ‘Booming:’ Film and TV production levels up in DeKalb
By Patrick Saunders, contributor
Decatur, Ga. -- The dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom across DeKalb Coun- ty, but there’s a black and yellow variant on seemingly every corner these days as well. It’s the signs with the codes for film and television productions in the area, and they are ubiquitous. DeKalb is seeing triple the amount of active productions right now compared to this time last year, and the numbers even dwarf those of pre-pandemic times. If it’s not a Byrde family member tempting fate with drug lords in “Ozark” so- Scenes from the set of the DC Comics show ‘Naomi’ being filmed for the CW network in mewhere in DeKalb, it’s the kids from “Stranger Things” battling monsters here the Decatur Square on April 7. Photo by Dean Hesse. for Season 4 of the smash hit Netflix show. about the impact on residents and businesses,” she said. “We also discuss what “Television filming and production are booming in DeKalb County, and the needs will be for road closures, safety, staffing such as police and fire.” DeKalb Entertainment Commission couldn’t be more thrilled,” DEC Director “We really try to make this something that works for everyone involved,” she Shelbia Jackson told Decaturish. added. The DEC processed 11 filming applications and saw nine active productions And filming can provide long-term residual income because people like to across the county last March. This March, those numbers skyrocketed to 39 see where their favorite movie or TV show was set. Baylis cited the blue lights applications and 28 active productions. in Decatur Square, which featured prominently in HBO’s hit 2020 show “Watch- “The permitting process has been very consistent this first quarter of the men.” year, which is drastically different from this time last year,” Jackson said. “I was on the Square a couple of weeks ago and heard a woman telling her And all 13 soundstages in DeKalb are booked through the end of the year, friend all about the lights and their appearing in ‘Watchmen,’ and I have witnes- according to the DEC. sed people wanting to get their photo in front of those lights,” she said. DeKalb has been helped in part by following COVID-19 guidelines for film Productions filmed so far this year in Decatur include the CW’s DC Comics’ and television productions. shows “Black Lightning” and “Naomi,” the Disney+ series “Just Beyond,” the Starz “The goal was always to get DeKalb County residents back to work in the series “Black Mafia Family,” the film “The Conjuring 3,” ABC’s “The Wonder Years” safest manner possible, and I am confident the extra level of precaution we man- reboot and the Netflix series “Raising Dion,” “Sweet Magnolias” and “Ozark.” dated is why things are looking much brighter,” she said. Disney+’s high-profile Marvel series “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” also fil- Decatur shines on Netflix, HBO, ABC, Disney+ med in Decatur last year. Decatur in particular has been awash in film and TV productions lately. The Stone Mountain, Avondale, Tucker, Doraville line up projects city had 13 filming applications and 11 active productions between January and Nearby Stone Mountain has hosted productions recently including a Fox se- mid-April of last year. This year, it had 29 applications and 28 active productions ries reimagining “The Goonies,” the CBS series “MacGyver” and “Raising Dion.” during the same time period. And the “Stranger Things” cast and crew is coming to film in the area in the next Studios are more and more attracted to Decatur because of the clarity of the few weeks, according to Tourism Manager Kim Cumbie. process, according to Downtown Program Manager Shirley Baylis. “Filming is good for our community and we strive to be a film-friendly des- “For larger projects, we will meet the crew onsite for initial scouting and talk tination,” she said. “Along with the recognition of, and for, our community, film companies have been an economic boost to our local businesses, homeowners and churches.” Filming in Avondale Estate has gotten a little busier lately too. The film “For- gotten” shot scenes on Stratford Road last September. This month saw two pro- ductions in the area: a SCAD student thesis film on Franklin Street and the film “Long Slow Exhale” on Dartmouth Avenue. The city does not have its own established initiative to attract film and tele- vision productions, according to Permitting Concierge Coordinator Ken Morris. “Avondale Estates does however participate in a communicating network of cities within DeKalb County related to location referrals and requests,” he said. Tucker has also gotten in on the Hollywood action. “Black Mafia Family,” “Sweet Magnolias” and “Ozark” have filmed there this year. And Doraville in north DeKalb got some huge filming news last month. Atlanta media company Gray Television is in the final stages of purchasing 128 acres of land there to construct 10 film studios, according to the AJC. That would make it one of the largest film production sites in the state. But what about deciphering those sometimes-misleading production codes on the signs posted around DeKalb? The popular Filming in Georgia group on Facebook tracks all the productions going on in the Peach State. The group also posts a monthly cheat sheet to help unmask the production codes. April’s list of productions in DeKalb include EYE or EYE5 for “MacGyver,” FAM for “Black Mafia Family,” RD for “Raising Dion,” KRAZO for “Ozark,” JB for “Just Beyond,” and WEYLAND, MCFLY, M247 or MULE for “Stranger Things.” Happy hunting, and happy viewing.
Photo by Dean Hesse. For more photos, visit the article online here.
6 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Downtown businesses are transformed on the set of the DC Comics show ‘Naomi’ being filmed for the CW network in the Decatur Square on Wednesday, April 7. Photos by Dean Hesse.
7 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 8 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Superintendent David Dude leaving City Schools of Decatur
By Dan Whisenhunt, editor it until October. Dude’s contract makes it clear that maintaining this certification is a condition of Dude’s Decatur, Ga. — The Decatur School Board has employment with the district. announced it is parting ways with Superintendent A City Schools of Decatur spokesperson said the David Dude. COVID-19 pandemic was the reason Dude’s certifica- The board’s decision comes after months of in- tion lapsed. However, PSC did not cancel any repor- FILE PHOTO USED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES: A long vestigative stories by Decaturish.com that examined ting periods due to COVID-19. time street corner vendor in unincorporated DeKalb County allegations raised by the school district’s former hu- Records provided by the district show that Dude shifted his focus from selling t-shirts to masks, gloves and sani- man resources director. was notified via email in April 2020 that his certifica- tizer during the pandemic. Photo by Dean Hesse. “The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education tion was about to expire. and Dr. David Dude feel it is in the best interest of Some CSD employees have alleged that he is often Decatur City Commission the school community and our stakeholders that we unreachable during the summer months. Evidence start anew as we begin our recovery from this terrib- shows that during the summer of 2019, Dude was out extends mask and open le pandemic,” the School Board announced. “We mu- of the office from June 11 through July 16, 2019. But tually agree to amicably part ways, and both parties according to vacation requests he entered into the container ordinances are looking forward to the future. The board thanks school district’s payroll system, Dude’s only vacation Dr. Dude for his nearly six years of service to the City days in the summer of 2019 were on July 12 and July Schools of Decatur and the greater City of Decatur 15. By Cathi Harris, contributor community. Dr. Dude thanks current and past board His predecessor, Phyllis Edwards, said she was ex- members for their support through the years and is pected to work during the summer. She was expected Decatur, Ga. — The Decatur City Commission excited for opportunities to come.” to use her vacation days if she took time off during voted Monday night to extend its ordinance re- Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman, those breaks. quiring masks in public as well as the ordinan- who has been acting superintendent since Dude was Dude has been responsible for documenting his ce allowing some off-premises consumption of placed on administrative leave earlier this month, own vacation since he was hired in 2015, but he input alcoholic beverages in the city’s commercial dis- will replace Dude, the School Board announced. those vacation days into the district’s payroll system tricts. “The City Schools of Decatur Board of Educa- on Jan. 27 of this year in response to a records request The first ordinance is still needed because pu- tion is proud to announce that Dr. Maggie Fehrman from Decaturish. blic health officials are continuing to recommend has been named the finalist for Superintendent of Prior to joining CSD in 2015, Dude chief operating social distancing, hand-washing and the wearing Schools,” the School Board’s announcement says. officer for the Iowa City Community School District. of masks to reduce the risk of transmission of the “The Board anticipates a vote on this decision at its Here is the full announcement from City Schools novel coronavirus and local rates of virus trans- May 11 regular meeting. If approved, a one-year con- of Decatur: mission are still high, City Manager Andrea Ar- tract will be approved for Dr. Fehrman.” City Schools of Decatur is announcing a leader- nold said. Dude has been under fire for weeks over allega- ship transition. “I understand there is an eagerness in our so- tions that he took more vacation than he was allowed Here is a statement from the Board and Dr. Dude: ciety to reopen and to push ahead with business under his contract. The claims were first raised in the “The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education as usual. In terms of city decision-making, we are lawsuit filed by the district’s former human resour- and Dr. David Dude feel it is in the best interest of continuing to look at numbers,” she told commis- ces director. Subsequent reporting by Decaturish re- the school community and our stakeholders that we sioners. “In some ways, the reopening activities vealed evidence to support the claims made in that start anew as we begin our recovery from this terrible in surrounding areas are not really matching up lawsuit and also revealed that Dude’s most recent pandemic. We mutually agree to amicably part ways, to what we are seeing. Dekalb is in the highest ca- contract renewal made it harder and more expensive and both parties are looking forward to the future. tegory for community transmission.” for the School Board to fire him. The board has since The Board thanks Dr. Dude for his nearly six years of In addition, the county lags behind local and rescinded that contract and had planned to renego- service to the City Schools of Decatur and the greater national rates of vaccination against COVID-19. tiate it. City of Decatur community. Dr. Dude thanks current DeKalb County’s vaccination rate is currently There have been five lawsuits filed against City and past Board members for their support through at 17 percent versus a rate of 26 percent nationwi- Schools of Decatur on Dude’s watch, including the the years and is excited for opportunities to come.” de, Arnold said. one filed by the former human resources director. Here is the statement from the Board regarding The commission voted unanimously to extend The School Board on April 15 unanimously voted the transition: the mask ordinance for another month, until May to place Dude on administrative leave pending the The City Schools of Decatur Board of Educa- 17, 2021, when it will again come up for conside- outcome of an investigation into Dude. That inves- tion is proud to announce that Dr. Maggie Fehrman ration. tigation is being conducted by the McGuire Woods has been named the finalist for Superintendent of Mayor Patti Garrett said that she felt it was firm. It’s unclear whether that investigation will be Schools. The Board anticipates a vote on this decision appropriate for the city to consider the measure completed now that Dude is leaving the district. at its May 11 regular meeting. If approved, a one-year on a month-by-month basis. “By doing this once David Adams, the district’s former human resour- contract will be approved for Dr. Fehrman. a month, we remind everyone that it is important ces director, alleges in a lawsuit that Dude pushed “We are fortunate to have in Dr. Fehrman the and also that we are looking at it regularly.” him and former finance Director Susan Hurst out of leader City Schools of Decatur needs to ensure a Commissioner Kelly Walsh said that with the the district after they raised questions about his time continued focus on our students,” said Board Chair nation still seeing around 69,000 new cases each away from the office. They allege he violated of the Tasha White. “We will not miss a beat as we finish this day, she felt it important that Decatur continue to Code of Ethics for Government Service. Misuse and school year strong, focus this summer on remedia- model appropriate public health measures. misreporting of public funds would be a violation of tion, and return to the classroom this fall with great “I have not heard businesses here asking us to the Georgia Professional Code of Ethics for Educa- confidence.” lift the ordinance,” she added. “What we are doing tors, according to the lawsuit. Fehrman started her career in 2001, teaching 7th- here is important and I am happy to continue it in The Georgia Professional Standards Commission, -grade social studies at Summerour Middle School in the near term.” which certifies educators, on April 8 voted to remand Gwinnett County. In 2005, she was promoted to assis- Commissioners also voted unanimously to complaint filed against Dude to the Decatur School tant principal at Summerour. In 2009, she opened the continue the temporary exceptions to the city’s Board. Public records show that since he became su- new North Gwinnett Middle School as an assistant open-container laws which prohibit off-premises perintendent in 2015, Dude received $100,000 in ad- principal. In 2014, she became the principal of Bay consumption of alcoholic beverages. ditional compensation for cashing out the vacation Creek Middle school in Grayson before joining the As a means of helping Decatur restaurants days he said he didn’t use. While the nature of the City Schools of Decatur in 2018. cope with loss of business due to COVID-19, the PSC complaint is not clear, it likely stems from the “I am humbled and honored to serve the studen- city voted in April to allow off-premises consump- allegations regarding his use of vacation time. ts, staff, and community of Decatur,” said Dr. Fehr- tion in commercial districts on Fridays from In addition, Decaturish discovered that when man. “I look forward to engaging with all stakehol- 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 1 the board in September 2020 approved the now-res- der groups to ensure that our classrooms are a place a..m. Those exceptions are now extended until cinded contract, Dude’s PSC certification had lapsed where all students love learning and are challenged Sept. 7, 2021, with the city exploring whether they because it had expired in June. Dude didn’t renew to meet the highest levels of success.” could be made permanent.
9 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Matthew Zadok Williams’ gunshot wounds were survivable if police provided medical attention, doctor says
By Alex Brown, contributor
Decatur, Ga. — On April 20, the Davis-Bozeman Law Firm in Decatur held a press conference to discuss the killing of Matthew Zadok Williams, 35. Williams was shot and killed by DeKalb County Police officers on April 12 in his own home. The press conference was held at the law firm’s Decatur office and was streamed on Instagram Live. Speakers included Attorney Mawuli Davis, State Representative Renita Shan- non, pathologist Dr. Jackson Gates, representatives from the Georgia NAACP, Justice for Georgia, and Matthew Zadok Williams’ mother and five sisters. Attorney Mawuli Davis of the Davis-Bozeman law firm, who is representing the Williams family, repeated Matthew Zadok Williams’ full name several times consecutively in his introduction. “We are grateful that there are still some elected officials who will stand tall with those who oppose excessive force, police brutality, and the continued taking of Black lives with little or no repercussions,” said Davis. At the press conference, State Rep. Renita Shannon said, “Matthew Zadok Williams should be alive today, but he’s not. He had a bad mental health day and DeKalb County Police killed him over it. My heart breaks for this family.” NAACP State Conference president Rev. James “Major” Woodall said, “It is completely unfathomable that Black skin continues to be under attack. Before Left to right: Rev. James Woodall, Rep. Renita Shannon, Devin Barrington- the police even got there, there was a white woman who was not living at that -Ward, Attorney Mawuli Davis, Attorney Francys Johnson at the press conferen- residence who called the cops on yet another Black man, which ended in his ce on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Screenshot from Instagram Live. life tragically being taken away.” According to a GBI press release, DeKalb Coun- ty police officers were responding to a 911 call complaining of a man who was an ottoman. According to Davis, the officers fired a taser and then a gun, then wielding a knife. backed away from the porch, which he said was “illogical.” The press conference was held at 1 p.m., hours before former Minneapolis “This case requires complete and transparent continuing investigation,” said Police Department officer Derek Chauvin was declared guilty on all counts of the Davis. “The analysis cannot stop at that door.” May 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn. One of Williams’ sisters, Dr. Buelah Williams, said, “What’s keeping me up According to The Washington Post, 274 people in the U.S. have been fatally at night is that my brother should be alive, he should be recovering from his shot by police so far in 2021; 55 of those people were Black. wounds at the hospital. I don’t understand why he’s not here.” Johnny Ross and Hannah Joy, representatives from local organization Justice Williams’ youngest sister, Zipporah Williams, described her brother as a for Georgia, stood behind the microphone holding Justice for Zadok signs. charming food lover and avid reader. “Georgia has a horrible police brutality problem,” said Britt Jones-Chukura of “It’s so hard to believe that he’s gone, we try to hold each other up and grieve Justice for Georgia. “How many more families in Georgia are going to continue together, but we have a lot to do to fight for justice for our brother too. Our bro- to have to meet with people like us, and the NAACP, and other organizations?” ther was a beautiful person, he had a heart of gold and did not deserve to die like Jones-Chukura emphasized that “police are supposed to detain, not kill.” this, no one does,” she said. Former Georgia State Senate candidate Devin Barrington-Ward said, “It’s Williams’ mother, Chrys Ann Lewis, said, “He was just a joy, I had 35 aweso- time now not to reform this system but to re-imagine this system. … If we had me years with him. He is number six, I have six children because it took us so defunded the police and put money towards mental health services, someone long to have a son.” would have called 311 instead and two mental health professionals would have Williams’ father passed away in the month of April, and that he wanted “so- come out to the scene and not two officers with a gun and a badge.” meone to carry on his name.” His mother said his middle name, Zadok (pronou- Dr. Jackson Gates was hired by Williams’ next-of-kin to perform an autopsy nced Zah-DOAK), derived from Hebrew, means righteousness and justice. independent of the DeKalb County report. “That’s what was taken from us, their bloodline, that name of his father, Ma- Attorney Davis asked Dr. Gates if this kind of wound would have been sur- tthew Williams,” Lewis said. vivable if Williams had been provided medical aid. “I do believe it would have Attorney Hahnah Williams, the second eldest sister, said “Matthew Zadok been possible,” said Dr. Gates. Dr. Gates cited his prior experience doing autop- Williams was the baby brother of five sisters, his feet never touched the ground sies on other victims of police-involved shootings. He described the damage to until he was two years old because we passed us between him. What a life to Williams’ body as “a slow hemorrhage” as opposed to other shootings where the take. We demand justice.” victim bled out more quickly. “I don’t care if he was 35, he was still a baby brother to me,” said Kaia “There was a white woman who indicated [to police] that this wasn’t his hou- Williams, 45, the eldest sister. “He would call me every Monday and we would se or this was a vacant house. It was a deadly error for her to communicate that discuss certain things. I had a hard day yesterday because I couldn’t talk to him,” this was not his home, because the officers approached him as if he was trespas- she said, adding Williams was a selfless, non-violent, smart person. sing,” said Davis. Attorney Francys Johnson, of the Statesboro office of the Davis-Bozeman Law “The family has said that they express compassion for the officer who was in Firm said, “The narrative that is trying to be set, that he had mental health issues fear for his life. They said they had never seen [Williams] be violent and that it and attacked the police, that police had to fire — and they didn’t want to do so, shocked them as family members, said Davis. “When the officer fired that one as a matter of fact, they’ve been careful that you hear these words: ‘We’re Black, shot outside, she was acting based on what she observed in defense of another and we don’t want to kill you.’” officer. However, the analysis can’t stop there, and it’s important that the public Body camera footage obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows an not stop there either.” officer shoot at Williams when he runs away outside his home. Williams then Davis clarified that Matthew Williams was the owner of the home, he had ran back inside his home. Officers allegedly kicked down Williams’ door and lived there for 15 years, and the house was even paid off. attempted to speak with him. “Once he gains entry into his own home, they don’t call for mental health ex- An officer who was identified as a supervisor asked Williams repeatedly to perts, they don’t call for negotiators, they don’t call his mother who lives fifteen drop the knife. “Put the knife down, man. We don’t want to hurt you, brother. minutes away … instead, they make a decision, without being a SWAT team, to … You’re a Black man, I’m a Black man, you don’t have to die today. I don’t want kick the door and repeatedly kick down the door until it crashes in,” Davis said. you to die today.” An officer then fired three shots and all three officers backed Davis said that when officers entered, Williams was crouching in fear behind away from the house.
10 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 11 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 PHOTOS BY DEAN HESSE TUCKER HOSTS EASTER EGG HUNT
By Dean Hesse, contributor
Tucker, GA– Tucker Parks & Recreation hosted its third annual Easter Egg Hunt at Fitzgerald Field on Saturday, April 3, 2021. Last year’s Egg Hunt was changed to a drive-through Egg Giveaway and this year there were tempera- ture checks for all participants and mandatory masks. The children quickly scooped up the 6,000 Easter Eggs scattered across several fields.
12 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 OPPOSITE PAGE, clockwise from top: Emma Gargent, Annabel Lynch and THIS PAGE, clockwise from top: Children scramble for eggs during the third Zara Khalid, all 10, wear matching bunny ears and masks during the third annual Tucker Parks & Recreation Easter Egg Hunt at Fitzgerald Field. annual Tucker Parks & Recreation Easter Egg Hunt at Fitzgerald Field on Saturday, April 3. T T Olatunji and Mora Guerrero, both 5, show some of their eggs during the hunt. Carlotta Casey brought daughter Aubrey, 1, for her first Egg Hunt during the third annual Tucker Parks & Recreation Easter Egg Hunt. Riley Pepitone, 16 mo., poses with her basket of eggs during the egg hunt. Photos by Dean Hesse. Recreation Center Manager Ray Rollins, in bunny suit, directs families at Fitzgerald Field on Saturday, April 3. For more photos, visit The Tucker Observer article here.
13 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Georgia executives come out against new voting law, legislators target tax break By Emma Hurt, WABE in Georgia around broad access to voting, around voter convenience, about ensuring election integrity.” He spoke on CNBC Wednesday. Atlanta, Ga. — Hours after Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian called the state’s “We have always opposed this legislation, and we have a long track record new Republican-led voting law “unacceptable” and “based on a lie,” Republi- of working in Georgia, with alliances on our own account with legislators, can state lawmakers nearly scrapped a jet fuel tax exemption the Atlanta-ba- with stakeholders to improve legislation,” Quincey said. sed airline had lobbied for years ago. “The reality is many things are improved and done and achieved in private In a last-minute amendment in the final hour of the state’s General Assem- without having to take a public stand. But in this case, it does not work clearly. bly session Wednesday night, the state house passed a bill that would begin And so we’re being more forceful in our public position, even more than we collecting fuel taxes in the state, but the state senate did not approve the mea- were earlier this week and will continue to advocate for change in Georgia.” sure before adjourning. These comments come after calls for boycotts of the companies and public “[This bill] is purely retaliation for the business community speaking out pressure have persisted, even after the bill was signed into law. against a bill that everyone knows is Jim Crow 2.0,” said Democratic State Re- Dozens of Black American business leaders also banded together to oppo- presentative David Wilkerson as the house voted on the change. se voting bills like Georgia’s, led by Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier and former After Delta released a statement late last week arguing the legislation American Express Chief Executive Kenneth Chenault. Microsoft, which re- “improved considerably” during the legislative process, Bastian took a much cently announced a new Atlanta hub, also announced its concerns about the stronger tone in a Wednesday memo to employees. new law, saying that some provisions “needlessly and unfairly make it more “I need to make it crystal clear that the final bill is unacceptable and does difficult for people to vote.” not match Delta’s values,” Bastian said. “Throughout the legislative process, we spoke directly with Delta repre- “After having time to now fully understand all that is in the bill, coupled sentatives numerous times,” Gov. Brian Kemp responded after Bastian’s sta- with discussions with leaders and employees in the Black community, it’s evi- tement. dent that the bill includes provisions that will make it harder for many under- “We worked alongside legislative leadership to expand voting opportuni- represented voters, particularly Black voters, to exercise their constitutional ties for Georgians, while also taking steps to further secure the ballot box. At right to elect their representatives. That is wrong.” no point did Delta share any opposition to expanding early voting, strengthe- “Delta had been at the table in discussions on the bill. They they were a ning voter ID measures, increasing the use of secure drop boxes statewide, part of a dialogue that we had actually going on for several weeks,” said Repu- and making it easier for local election officials to administer elections — whi- blican House Speaker David Ralston about the attempt to undermine the fuel ch is exactly what this bill does.” tax break. “And so the statement today kind of came out of the came out of the “Today’s statement by Delta CEO Ed Bastian stands in stark contrast to blue, blue sky. And it was very disappointing.” our conversations with the company, ignores the content of the new law, and “They like our public policy when we’re doing things that benefit them,” he unfortunately continues to spread the same false attacks being repeated by said. “And so they reap the reward of that benefit, and then turn around and partisan activists,” Kemp said. do this…you don’t feed a dog that bites your hand.”Coca-Cola CEO James Quin- “Delta’s statement finally tells the truth — even if it’s late,” said Nsé Ufot, cey joined Bastian on Wednesday in his disapproval of the legislation, calling chief executive of the Georgia-based New Georgia Project Action Fund. it “a step backwards. And it does not promote principles we have stood for “Delta claimed its leaders engaged with lawmakers drafting these bills for weeks, ensuring that the company’s voice was well-represented in the process. Now, you claim to fully understand the legislation and the damage it will do after conversations with leaders in the Black and Brown community. This is where the problem lies. Conversations with Black and Brown leaders must happen at all stages and all areas of decision-making, not after the damage is done.” In an interview with WABE on Tuesday, Kemp said conversations with the business community were happening at least daily about the legislation. “It’s unfortunate. And it’s not fair to be boycotting businesses because of a so-called voter suppression bill that is not in Georgia,” Kemp said. “This is all part of an agenda to drive a narrative and to pad people’s po- cketbooks.” “As major Georgia businesses and employers, it is imperative that com- panies like Coca-Cola and Delta speak out against any policy that infringes on the rights of citizens in this state,” said state Rep. Nikema Williams, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia. “We are glad that they have publicly commi- tted today to being vocal advocates in the ongoing fight to secure and stren- gthen voting rights — and we know Georgians will hold them accountable.” Williams and Ufot called on the executives to now turn their focus to lo- Atlanta NAACP President Richard Rose, with bull horn, speaks during a voting rights protest at Liberty Plaza across from the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday March 25, 2021. “We are not going back to Jim bbying for passage of federal voting rights legislation, including H.R. 1 and Crow.” Said Rose. “We must raise our voices because silence is consent. We will not be silenced. We are H.R. 4. not going back.” Photo by Dean Hesse. This story was provided by WABE.
Legislature doesn’t pass Tucker annexation legislation, charter changes By Dan Whisenhunt, editor ld’ve required legislative approval. annexations going forward. City spokesperson Matt Holmes confirmed that “It is important to acknowledge that although the- Tucker, Ga. — Two city of Tucker legislative priori- the Legislature did not pass these measures, though re have been several new cities created in DeKalb in ties went nowhere in the recent legislative session that he was unsure of the reason why. recent years, we have reached a point where, in several concluded on March 31. “I don’t know what happened,” Holmes said. instances, remaining unincorporated areas proposed Mayor Frank Auman and City Council members On March 31, the DeKalb County Municipal As- to be incorporated into new cities would be better ser- can be reelected indefinitely if a resolution passed at sociation released a statement about annexation that ved by nearby existing cities,” the statement from DMA the Feb. 22 council meeting had been approved by the was prompted, in part, but the Legislature’s failure to says. “Additionally, incorporating new cities in a way legislature. Eliminating term limits was a recommen- pass legislation for Tucker. that creates large or small pockets of unincorporated dation made by Tucker’s Charter Commission, a board Bill Floyd with the DeKalb Municipal Association territory separated by one or more cities will only of nine appointed residents who reviewed the city’s said the statement was, “Not specifically but Tucker make the task of serving those areas more difficult for charter in 2018. Council members also unanimously has an annexation bill they could not get any consi- the county and service delivery to those areas will su- passed a resolution to annex a segment of unincorpo- deration for.” ffer as a result.” rated DeKalb County near Northlake Mall which wou- The statement makes recommendations regarding Read the full statement from the DMA online here.
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15 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 OPINIONS Letters to the DearDearDear editor DecaturishDecaturishDecaturish
Dear Decaturish, Hank Johnson is showing true leadership solutions, resulting in an expected in co-sponsoring this bill. He recognizes pollution reduction of 30% in the first In a recent post for The New Yorker, Bill that monumental problems require bold five years. McKibben writes about parts of the Biden solutions, and that effective solutions can • Acts fairly. Since the dividend is Administration’s infrastructure plan directed have bipartisan appeal. The Atlanta chapter returned on a per capita basis, hou- at fighting climate change. of Citizens’ Climate Lobby has met with Rep. seholds with a lower than average “The question of whether it’s ‘enough’ is, Johnson’s office over 20 times in the last 10 carbon footprint (typical of lower in- of course, the right one—and the answer is years. He has had phone calls and consti- come households) will actually come no. Summer sea-ice coverage in the Arctic tuent letters about climate change and the out ahead. has declined by fifty per cent since the nine- need for bipartisan solutions. Rep. Johnson Since its introduction, the Energy Inno- teen-eighties, and there were a record thirty has responded by demonstrating his deep vation Act has garnered supportive reac- named tropical storms last year, with one of commitment to the future of our planet. tions from economic think tanks, advocacy them, off the New England coast, nudging up The Energy innovation and Carbon Divi- groups, faith groups and citizens. Here are against smoke coming from the wildfires on dend Act (energyinnovationact.org): statements from the Environmental Defense the other side of the country, in California. • Gets America to Net Zero carbon by Fund, World Resources Institute, United Sta- We should be investing every penny we can 2050. By putting a well-defined fee on tes Conference of Catholic Bishops, Alliance in green projects, and even then we would extracted fossil fuels that increases for Market Solutions, and more. Local gover- still face an ongoing rise in temperature. year-by-year, the Energy Innovation nments like the DeKalb County Commission That’s why movements need to keep pushing Act uses market forces to incentivize and the City of Pine Lake have also endorsed hard to build support for climate action.” the best alternatives to greenhouse the Carbon Fee and Dividend strategy. One national group of volunteers that gas emitters, while providing busi- We’re ready for Congress to work together agrees completely is the Citizens’ Climate ness with predictable conditions. As and take action. We deeply appreciate Rep. Lobby, which has 15 chapters all over the sta- it does so, it will also improve health Johnson for responding to our concerns and te of Georgia. CCL believes that the climate and save lives by reducing the pollu- cosponsoring The Energy Innovation and crisis requires us to act boldly and quickly. tion that Americans breathe. Carbon Dividend Act again. (He cosponsored Practical solutions must include both a price • Puts money in your pockets. All net the similar bill, H.R. 763, in the 116th Con- on carbon and protections for lower income funds raised will be returned throu- gress.) We urge other Georgia Members of households that would be hurt by the chan- gh a monthly dividend, boosting the Congress to join Rep. Johnson as cosponsors ge. This is the reason we strongly support economy with millions of jobs. of this bill. HR 2307, The Energy Innovation and Carbon • Provides abundant, affordable clean Dividend Act. As voters in the 4th Congres- energy. Under this policy fossil fuels — Paul Friederich, sional District, we are thrilled that our own become more expensive to reflect the 4th District Liaison, CCL Congressman, Hank Johnson, has again true cost of using them. Businesses — Henry Slack, co-sponsored this bill. compete to provide clean energy Georgia State Coordinator, CCL
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16 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 ner, but for the delayed vote to replace State Rep. Pam Stephenson … and Vernon Jones. GEORGE ON GEORGIA Jones’ district clipped a piece of Stonecrest, and legislative rules require all the elected officials covering a city to agree to local legislation for it to emerge from committee, said State Sen. Emanuel Stonecrest Stumbles Jones. “He knew he was protected by Vernon Jones. Vernon said there’s no chance of it passing. He said BY GEORGE CHIDI, CONTRIBUTOR I’m not signing it,” said State Sen. Jones. (The two former city attorneys from Coleman Talley might are not related.) have been part of the problem. The city handed off Jason Lary, who is recovering from cancer, very Editor’s note: George Chidi now publishes a responsibility for distributing the money to Muni- politely refrained from comment Sunday night, Substack newsletter called “The Atlanta Objective.” cipal Resource Partners, a nonprofit formed by the calling me back from a phone at an attorney’s If you want to support him directly, sign up for a former city attorney – who worked at the same firm office. paying subscription to his newsletter by clicking as the then-current city attorney – just before the Gov. Kemp dragged his feet calling a special here. money landed. election to replace Stephenson, eventually setting Stonecrest, Ga. — It’s a First, this brand-new firm headed by Byron the date for February, with a runoff in March. The minute past midnight and King, a retired teacher with local political connec- runoff came down to Stan Watson – a political ally a cop is watching Jazzmin tions, took a $510,000 fee off the top. of Jason Lary – and Angela Moore. Senator Jones Cobble’s house. Stone- Companies receiving money were then asked backed Moore, who edged out the former DeKalb crest’s city council cleaned to give some of it back for “marketing expenses” by commissioner in a thinly-attended special election house at city hall and one writing a check to one of a set of suggested nonpro- vote. of the people who got can- fits. Technically, the newly-empowered council ned threatened her on the For example, the venerable newspaper On hasn’t fired anyone. The city subcontracts its way out of the door. Common Ground received $100,000. It cut a check administration through Jacobs Engineering instead There’s probably more for $25,000 to Visit Us, a recently formed nonprofit. of employing people directly. Friday, the council ac- of that coming. The request appeared to be part of the application, cepted the replacements of its acting city manager, Sure, people get pissy said the editor Valerie Morgan. deputy city manager, city clerk, communications when they get fired, but a sheriff was assassinated “We filled out an application and applied for a director and planning director, one of whom appa- for winning the wrong election here in DeKalb grant. The application asks all applicants if they rently got mouthy at Cobble. County 20 years ago. Derwin Brown’s ghost de- would be willing to put money toward marketing It’s a mess. mands vigilance. their business,” she said. “After we received the Dave Marcus, a civic activist in Stonecrest, calls Stonecrest’s mayor Jason Lary circled the wa- grant, we asked how the marketing would work. We this moment the end of Act II in the story of the gons Monday, calling a meeting with faith leaders were told the marketing would include billboards, city’s birth. this afternoon for a COVID-19 relief roundtable. A social media, radio.” “Act 1 was a city getting started with a lot of few hours later, Stonecrest’s city council authorized Stonecrest’s city council have been trying to par- corners being cut, deliberately or not, I don’t know,” the release report about how the city doled out $6.2 se how all this worked for months now, and have he said. “But a lot of things were done that were not million in CARES Act relief. been at war with the mayor in the process. in conformance with policies and sometimes not in State Sen. Emanuel Jones said he expects sub- “Truth comes out in due time,” Cobble said. conformance with the law. … Act 2 opened with the poenas to follow. “This is more than just this CARES “I’ve been in government operations for 12 years passage of that bill, seemingly out of the blue, and Act money,” he said. “There’s p-cards, there’s the so I knew time would reveal what I’ve been yelling the newly empowered council cleaning house, and (convention and visitors bureau). It’s unfortunate.” about.” insisting that Jacobs give them staff that weren’t Jones has also asked Gov. Brian Kemp to remove The council gained the high ground two weeks beholden to the mayor or in his circle, and were Lary from office. ago, when the state Legislature stripped the mayor deeply qualified. A phoenix rising from the ashes.” The city council is explicitly waiving attorney- of much of his authority to set agendas or control George Chidi is a political columnist and public -client privilege for the related documents. The the city government. It would have been done soo- policy advocate. He also writes for The Intercept.
as 2019, who drove Republicans in north DeKalb to incorporate cities as a finan- GEORGE ON GEORGIA cial defense from his reign as county CEO. As Stonecrest digs out of CARES Act financial mismanagement that left its mayor stripped of power and awaiting subpoenas, it’s worth noting that the legis- Enter the Grift lation to protect Stonecrest from this end was stalled by one man: Vernon Jones. Local legislation requires all of the legislators representing a city to agree to it to Editor’s note: George Chidi now publishes a Substack newsletter called “The get out of committee. Jones objected to the changes in the charter which ultima- Atlanta Objective.” If you want to support him directly, sign up for a paying tely passed this year, leading to the revelations of mismanagement. After years subscription to his newsletter by clicking here. of fighting against ethics legislation for DeKalb, Jones’ final gift to voters was to Decatur, Ga. — Vernon Jones announced Friday that he’s running for gover- block anticorruption measures in Stonecrest. nor. Literally any other Trumpist seemingly has a better argument to make for As one of the two or three journalists in Georgia who has followed his antics their candidacy. closely for years, I am now obligated to remind everyone – again – that Jones is a Jones has something others don’t, however. He has a history of pissing off political grifter who will laugh all the way to the bank, wrapping himself in faux Black Democrats. Jones has become a social media celebrity on the right. He has outrage and performative racial grievance. about 300,000 followers on Twitter. For Republican voters who have essentially Jones’ candidacy is a minstrel show in the same vein as Candace Owens’ idio- abandoned the ballot as a strategy, a troll candidate sends a message about their cy, allowing the words of white supremacists to be presented in blackface with contempt for elections. It’s Caligula sending his horse Incitatus to the senate as the goal not to win Black voters but to irritate them for the amusement of racists. consul, the Monster Raving Loony Party from Britain, Vernon Jones as Vermin He is not stupid. He simply presumes other people are stupid enough to give Supreme. him money to try. A campaign for governor might be also be lucrative. While campaigning, Jo- And in this, he is quite correct. nes can write off a lot of personal expenses as campaign expenses. Travel, meals, A sane, sober analysis of Republican politics would leave no rationale for Jo- hotel rooms. He can pay people he likes for campaign marketing or “consulting” nes’ candidacy. Virtually all of Republican voters fall into one of three categories. using other people’s money. This, assuming he reports his campaign finances Roughly half of white voters without a college degree and a third with a degree honestly, which given his history with his U.S. Senate run might be an open score high on measures of racial resentment. That’s 28 percent of the electorate question. and about 50 percent of Republican primary voters. So much of what we see on the right today can be explained as a cash grab. About 20 percent of Americans believe abortion should be illegal under all Trump’s fundraising abuses only serve as the capstone for a pattern of ideological circumstances, according to Gallup polling. When accounting for overlap with machines designed to surgically separate outrage-programmed voters from their the first group, that’s another 10 percent of the electorate and a fifth of Repu- money. blican primary voters. Roughly half of high-income voters cast votes for Trump The grift begins. simply to protect their financial interests, which reflects another 10 percent of the George Chidi is a political columnist and public policy advocate. He also Republican electorate. writes for The Intercept. Vernon Jones is a Black politician, with a pro-choice voting record as recently
17 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 FLICKS WITH NICKI: CHAOS VERSUS MONSTERS I like chaos. I affectionately call my house Chaos species of ineffectual jet-black aliens called Spackle. if you aren’t in love with these characters by the first Town. We almost rented a private theater to watch Black aliens who pose no threat to the humans on the half of the movie, you have no soul. By the second “Chaos Walking” because it seemed like my kind of planet. This is not okay. Please thank me for finishing half of the movie, a robot name Mav1s makes us cry. movie. I love a dystopian this movie so you don’t have to. Finding Aimee makes Joel question his journey, the future with aliens on There is a neighboring town that just gave up on meaning of love and family, and we realize that not strange planets. But we technology. And the twist is that the Prentisstown all monsters are bad. decided to view it at home. men killed the women. A group of men on a deserted I was a weeping mess of happy sadness by the My kids watched it first, planet not having sex or babies is important to the time the credits rolled. “Love and Monsters” is one of and I was excited to hear survival of the human race. Not believable. We ne- my top three movies of the year. Grade B+ their review. ver find out why the noise impacts only men. Let’s be Me before “Chaos Walking:” I can’t wait to see this “It was interesting,” my brutally honest. No man was ever upset broadcasting movie! It’s going to be amazing. I love space. I love oldest said. his mansplaining thoughts to the whole world. Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley! “So, it was bad?” I I was too distracted by the nonsensical nature Me after “Chaos Walking:” Black aliens. Like pi- asked. of the movie to hate it. To my dismay, my kids were tch black? Men make noise? Not in the mood for a “No,” my second ad- wrong. In the story, a dog and two horses were killed. half-baked coming of age story. Awful. Bad. Dumb. ded slowly. That wasn’t a By the end, I just wanted all the noise to stop. Gra- Insulting. Grade D+. Nicki Salcedo good sign. She was being de D+. That plus sign is for Tom Holland’s cute little Me before “Love and Monsters” I can’t believe the- polite. I’ve trained them to pixie butt. se teenagers are going to make me pay to watch this be appreciative when I pay $19.99 for a movie rental. Love and Monsters ridiculous movie. I don’t care what kind of crush they “What happened?” I needed to know. Several months ago, my same teenagers asked me have on this actor. “It didn’t make any sense. They killed a horse. to rent “Love and Monsters.” I did not want to pay to Me after “Love and Monsters:” OMGOSH this mo- They killed the dog!” watch this ridiculous movie just because they had a vie was the cutest monster apocalypse story. Fun, ex- “So, it was really bad.” crush on the main actor. As it turns out, I now have a citing, adorable. I watched it twice. I found it to be so “Actually, it was okay. We got to see Tom Holland’s crush on this actor. enjoyable. I loved it! Grade B+ butt.” Similar setup as “Chaos Walking” but 100% im- This is why I recommend that you watch all the “Chaos Walking” is a space western set on a planet provement on the execution. Joel (Dylan O’Brien) is movies. I never know what I will love. I never know where men’s thoughts can be heard by each other, and a typical down on his luck kid who wants a chance to what will irritate me. Always keep an open mind. If I there are no women. Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland) is a prove himself. His chance arrives when he makes ra- don’t like a movie, I still want you to see that movie typical down on his luck kid who wants a chance to dio contact with his pre-apocalypse girlfriend Aimee (same with books). You might love it. Then we can prove himself. His chance arrives when Viola (Daisy (Jessica Henwick), and he decides to take a long trek chat. My reviews are just exploratory conversations. Ridley) crashes onto his planet. He’s never seen a girl. across a monster filled world to find her. The pro- I’m not trying to persuade you either way. Except for She’s never heard a man’s thoughts before. That’s the blem is that Joel has no skill beside sketching, and “Love and Monsters.” I hope I have persuaded you to “noise” and for some reason women don’t make it. he leaves his bunker colony behind in search of true check it out. The dog has a backstory, and he survi- Viola must get to her spaceship to warn the others love. Along the way he meets a dog named Boy, a man ves! Y’all, it’s almost an A-. not to come to the planet. The men from Todd’s villa- named Clyde (Michael Rooker), and a girl named ge, Prentisstown, want to kill her. They are misogy- Minnow (Ariana Greenblatt). Boy may be the best ac- Nicki Salcedo is a Decatur resident and Atlanta nistic space extremists. The planet has an indigenous tor in any movie I’ve seen in the past 12 months. And native. She is a novelist, blogger, and a working mom.
DHS students and Georgia Historical Society unveil marker honoring MLK
By Alex Brown, contributor King of driving without a Georgia license, even though he carried a valid Alabama license. Mitchell’s harsh sen- Decatur, Ga. — On April 25, the result of more than tencing of King’s parole violation energized Civil Rights a year of dedicated research and hard work by Decatur activists and amplified demands to end racist laws and High School students and Beacon Hill Black Alliance for policies. King’s mistreatment focused national attention Human Rights was brought to fruition. on the Civil Rights Movement when John and Robert A new historical marker — commemorating an injus- Kennedy intervened to free King from prison. As a result, tice faced by Dr. Martin Luther King in Decatur — was many Black voters switched parties to help elect John F. unveiled by the Georgia Historical Society. Kennedy president, setting the stage for major Civil Ri- The unveiling was attended by Decatur Mayor Patti ghts legislation. Students and mentors stand by the newly-unveiled historical Garrett and Mayor Pro Tem Tony Powers; Dr. W. Todd Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, Students of marker on McDonough Street. L-R: Michael Warren, Mawuli Davis, Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical So- Decatur High school, the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Daxton Pettus, Fonta High, Katrina Walker, Genesis Reddicks, Mayor Human Rights, and the City of Decatur emerita Elizabeth Wilson, Charles Black, Mayor Pro Tem Tony Powers, ciety; Beacon Hill Black Alliance Co-Chairs Fonta High and W. Todd Groce. Photo by Alex Brown. and Mawuli Davis; journalist Michael Warren, who hel- DHS seniors Genesis Reddicks and Daxton Pettus ped DHS students with their research; DHS students talked to Decaturish about what the completion of the “This has truly been an educational experience lear- Genesis Reddicks and Daxton Pettus; Katrina Walker, a marker meant to them, and what their plans are next. ning about the history and learning about what it takes 12th-grade literature teacher at DHS who sponsored the Reddicks plans to attend Temple University in Phila- to put something up in your own city,” Pettus said. “I’m students; Charles Black, co-founder of the Atlanta Stu- delphia, where she hopes to major in international rela- thankful for Mr. Warren, Mr. Mawuli, Ms. Fonta, and all dent Movement; and Decatur Mayor emerita Elizabeth tions and journalism. the other mentors that have given me the necessities to Wilson. “I’m just really, really happy to know that we were make changes wherever I want to go.” The new historical marker is located on the corner able to make this happen,” Reddicks said. “To know that Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said the city plans to of McDonough Street and West Trinity Place, across the we got to meet so many prominent leaders within our hold a larger recognition ceremony at the end of October, street from the DeKalb County courthouse and Decatur own community, who were contributing factors to what when it will hopefully be safer for more people to attend. - City Hall. we know today, is so motivating, but we also know as Bla “This is an intergenerational effort, from the you- The marker reads: ck students and Black young people ourselves, that it’s ng people to the activists who originally were a part of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was sentenced here, at the now our turn to really take the ropes and be able to make this effort, to the current activists — we’ve got three ge- site of the former DeKalb Building, on October 25, 1960, some changes.” nerations here, and I think that’s very significant,” said to four months of hard labor for protesting segregation Daxton Pettus said he is deciding between majoring Beacon Hill co-chair Davis. It’s a long time coming, but with the Atlanta Student Movement at a Rich’s Depart- in communications and political science, and he hopes it was urged by the young people and supported by the ment Store dining room. His arrest violated parole con- to attend Morehouse.Pettus said it felt great to see the community, and I think that’s important. That doesn’t ditions set by Judge J. Oscar Mitchell, who had convicted historical marker completed. happen everywhere.”
18 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 19 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Decaturish.com hires first full time reporter By Dan Whisenhunt, editor “I moved to the Atlanta area in August 2019,” she which helped her pass the time during the pande- said. “A couple of weeks after I moved I began ne- mic. She enjoys spending time outdoors, hanging Decatur, Ga. — Decaturish.com, a local news we- tworking as I was job searching. I met Greg Blues- out with friends, reading, watching Netflix and is a bsite serving Decatur, Ga. and its surrounding com- tein with the AJC and he suggested I freelance and budding gardener. munities, has hired its first full time reporter. recommended looking into Decaturish. I began wri- “Hopefully I can keep my plants alive,” she said. Zoe Seiler, who has been a freelance contribu- ting for Decaturish about Seiler shared her vision for covering the local tor since 2019, will join the Decaturish staff in May. one month after I moved.” news. She will cover Decatur, Avondale Estates, Kirkwood She decided to become “I strive to continue telling the stories of our and East Lake. Her duties will include covering local a journalist after taking communities, to share information that is impor- meetings, writing about local schools and profiling an introduction to journa- tant to our readers and to do it well,” she said. “I also our local businesses. lism class as a high school hope to continue the good work Decaturish has been “Since joining Decaturish as a freelancer in freshman. She “fell in love doing and keep holding our elected officials accoun- 2019, Zoe has proved herself worthy of this oppor- with the field.” table.” tunity time and time again,” Editor and Publisher “I love interviewing She said Decaturish if filling an important niche. Dan Whisenhunt said. “She’s smart, hardworking people and hearing their “I have such an appreciation for local news orga- and professional. She’s a great ambassador for our stories,” Seiler said. “I nizations and the level of coverage they provide for a brand, someone who has made herself indispensa- think everyone has a story community,” she said. “Not everyone takes the time ble by always going above and beyond what is asked to share and I strive to to attend hours long city council meetings or com- of her.” Zoe Seiler uncover and share them. munity events. But local publications often do and This new hire, the first full time employee hired I also eventually had a Decaturish does. I wanted to come work for Decatu- by Decaturish.com, was made possible by the 1,500 growing interest in covering politics and local gover- rish because I want to be able to dig into local issues paying supporters who contribute money every nment. While those meetings may be long someti- and meet the community. I’ve loved every minute of month to ensure that the local news is free to everyo- mes, I like to see the process of how local legislation being out in the field in Avondale Estates, Clarkston ne and isn’t hidden behind a pay wall. is made and I want to help keep my community in- and Decatur.” “People signing up to support us every month formed about issues that will impact them in some Seiler said it’s critical for people to support their has made a difference,” Whisenhunt said. “Without way.” local news outlets. them, we couldn’t provide our readers with this es- Seiler has worked at small journalism com- “We are able to provide coverage on city council sential coverage every single day. As we gain more panies in the past. Her first journalism job was an and school board meetings, as well as other commu- supporters, I fully intend to hire more journalists to internship with a start-up called the Indianola Inde- nity events like local protests and elections becau- cover our community. It’s important to support your pendent Advocate. se of our paying supporters,” she said. “Paying su- local news.” “My favorite part about being a reporter is mee- pporters help provide us with the resources to cover Seiler grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and moved ting new people and hearing their stories,” she said. important topics and expand the company. People to the Atlanta area in 2019. She attended Simpson “I love all the connections I’ve made in the Decatur should pay to support their local news if they want College, a small liberal arts school in Indianola, area, especially those related to topics and cities that to see us continue to cover local meetings, events Iowa where she majored in multimedia journalism I’ve covered consistently.” and issues that are important to them. We greatly and political science and minored in Spanish. Outside of work, her hobbies include crocheting, appreciate everyone who supports Decaturish.” AVONDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECEIVES STEM CERTIFICATION
By Zoe Seiler, contributor versed in both of those worlds when it comes to technology and just exposing the kids to coding, robotics, things of that nature,” Andrews said. Avondale Estates, Ga. — Avondale Elementary School is now a Cognia STEM About two years ago, the school implemented a STEM lab so students can have certified school. The school has implemented science, technology, engineering and hands-on experiences and learning. The school also has a STEM garden and the math courses and programs for several years in preparation for the certification. Avondale Elementary School Education Foundation will soon establish an outdoor The Cognia evaluators look at four domains — STEM community, learning cul- STEM classroom. ture, experiences and outcomes — and the school is measured against 16 standards. Many students come from low socioeconomic settings so the school gives them “We have to sort of paint the picture of our journey, right. Where we started the opportunity to be exposed to STEM and work with computers, drones or 3D from, where we’re at presently and where we want to be,” Avondale Elementary printers, and experiment with robots and coding. School Principal Dontae Andrews said. The older students get excited about STEM and a STEM learning environment is Within the evaluation process, interviews are conducted with students, parents, normal for Avondale Elementary, Andrews said. Once a month, the school has days teachers, the school leadership and business partners. Using the interviews and called “engineering for a day” when everything is hands-on, project based learning other documentation and data, the Cognia evaluators rate the school using the four and students get to collaborate with each other. domains. The school exceeded all the domains and standards, Andrews said. “I think, overall, it’s just normal life to them,” Andrews said. “They come to Once that process is finished, the evaluators present their findings to the school school, they all experiment, get to participate in our STEM lab, they all get to par- to show the results of the interviews, other artifacts and videos. ticipate in the computer lab and the experiences in the classroom and so I think to Andrews remembered the third slide of the presentation said “congratulations, them it’s normal being that we’re a STEM certified school.” you’re now a STEM certified school” and he stopped the presenter before moving “We call it the Avondale way,” he added. to the fourth slide. The leadership team took a moment to celebrate and started The teachers are also exposed to professional development, through the STEM jumping and shouting in excitement, prompting the secretary to check to see if certification, that allows them to strengthen the teaching and learning in their clas- everything was alright. srooms. “That was exciting and then of course we settled down and got through the rest “We now have a STEM teacher, and our STEM teacher has been very instrumen- of the findings but as soon as we were done with that … the next thing I went to tal, Ms. Brenda Walker, in helping to pull all of this stuff together, to package it up in was the over-the-school mic to announce that we’re STEM certified and so it was a way that we can become a STEM certified school,” Andrews said. exciting,” Andrews said. Andrews added that what helped in the process was the teachers and staff, and The certification validates the school and the STEM programs it has in place, that they supported the vision without giving up even in the middle of a pandemic. Andrews said. “During this time, during the pandemic, we obtained our IB recertification and “We’re already an IB school and so our school is already based on inquiry-based also a STEM certification so it’s been quite a journey but a rewarding one,” Andrews learning and real world experiences and so with STEM we’re able to build on that, said. because with STEM it’s the same thing — inquiry based learning, bringing those The goal now is to keep the momentum going, build on the program and sus- real world experiences, solving problems, right, as relates to real world situations,” tain the program, Andrews said, so that regardless of the school leadership and he added. teachers, the STEM program will be sustainable. Andrews has been at Avondale Elementary School for about seven years and “We’re just excited so it was a good way to go out on spring break being a STEM when he came to the school they were seeking the STEM certification, but the staff certified school,” Andrews said. “I think we are the 30th STEM certified school in had to implement a few things first. DeKalb County and so we’re happy to be part of the Cognia community, and also just “We have a Mac lab for our students and also a PC lab so students are able to be being part of the STEM community for DeKalb County Schools.”
20 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 EDUCATING FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE PreK3- 8th Grade
We wanted a place where our kids would learn to be engaged citizens and citizens of the world. At Friends School, we’ve got an amazing education. We’ve got a social formation for our kids and our family. And we’ve got a great, supportive community. -- Friends School Parent
Founded as a model of diversity in 1991, The Friends School of Atlanta is a small school community grounded in such enduring values as community, peace and integrity. A Friends School education not only prepares students to excel at higher levels of learning, but also empowers them with the conscience, conviction and compassion to change the world.
862 Columbia Drive, Decatur 404373-8746 friendsschoolatlanta.org 21 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Tucker holds first Earth Day celebration, launches youth recreational baseball league
PHOTOS BY DEAN HESSE
By Dean Hesse, contributor
Tucker, Ga. — April 17 was a day of firsts in Tu- cker as the city held its inaugural Earth Day Celebra- tion and launched its new youth recreational base- ball league at Fitzgerald Field. Earth Day events included free paper shredding at Tucker City Hall and volunteers stationed at four city parks gave away 200 red maple tree saplings, 600 honeybee mix flower seed packets and 1,000 copies of an educational children’s book titled “David and the Trees” that was written and illustrated by Tucker city staff members. Parks & Recreation Director Rip Robertson said his team spent six months getting the baseball fields in shape for opening day. For more photos, visit The Tucker Observer ar- ticle here.
Griffin Wilson, 5, poses for a photo on Opening Day of the Tucker Baseball League at Fitzgerald Field on April 17.
At Johns Homestead Park, Cara Schroeder, a vol- unteer with Friends of Tucker Parks and co-chair of Friends of Henderson Park, holds one of the 200 red maple tree saplings given away during the Chris and Tara Sears help their son Luke, 5, adjust his hat on Opening Day of the Tucker Baseball city of Tuckers first ever Earth Day Celebration on League at Fitzgerald Field on April 17. April 17.
22 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Top: At Johns Homestead Park, Intern Harris Jamal shows some of the 600 to get rid of all the paper she accumulated after being locked down due to honeybee mix flower seed packets the city of Tucker gave away during its COVID for the past year. first Earth Day Celebration on April 17. Bottom right: Hayes Basit, 8, gets a fist bump from his father Jamal Basit Bottom left: Graylin Mitchell takes advantage of the free Earth Day Celebra- before hitting the field on Opening Day of the Tucker Baseball League at tion paper shredding event at Tucker City Hall. Mitchell said it was exciting Fitzgerald Field on April 17. Photos by Dean Hesse.
23 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Decatur will get $8.1 million in COVID-19 relief
BY ZOE SEILER, CONTRIBUTOR The district was able to use the previous CARES Act funding to provide personal protective equip- DeKalb County, Ga. — Cities and counties across ment, to ensure all students had the necessary tech- the state will receive millions of dollars from the fe- nology for online learning, and to address food inse- deral government soon through the American Rescue curity. Plan, the Biden administrations COVID-19 relief plan. DeKalb County schools recently did a study and Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4) held a virtual event on discovered there is learning loss as a result of the vir- Wednesday, April 7, with local, state and federal ex- tual learning space, Turner said. perts to discuss the recent COVID-19 relief and how “As a result of the realization of the learning loss the American Rescue Plan will affect individuals, fa- we have, we’ve put in a MOSAIC learning initiative for milies and small businesses. the summer, so this money would be so beneficial “As many of you know the American rescue plan for us to have to get those children up,” Turner said. is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill that includes “So we are going to remediate and accelerate those an extension of jobless benefits, another round of children that we need to in hopes of reestablishing a direct payments to individuals and households, and more favorable outcome for our children.” money for state and local governments, and an ex- The district is also going to address some inade- pansion of vaccinations and virus testing programs,” quacies in its HVAC system with the stimulus mo- Johnson said. ney to make sure staff and students feel safe in the schools. The direct payments this time around are $1,400 The boundaries of the city of Decatur. Source: Google Maps to individuals, including all dependents claimed on Funding for health care centers and vaccinations a tax return. This round of stimulus checks is not li- Community health centers are also set to receive mited to dependents under the age of 17, said Linda be spent but local leaders are looking forward to the aid. This is the first time cities are directly receiving funding to expand access to COVID-19 vaccines. Me- Berkman, a Congressional district liaison at the De- dCura Health, formerly Oakhurst Medical Centers, of partment of Treasury – Internal Revenue Service. stimulus money. The funding provides a tremendous opportunity Stone Mountain will get about $5.5 million and Reco- “Eligible families will get a payment based on all very Consultants, Inc. of Decatur will receive about qualifying dependents claimed on the return, inclu- to invest in communities as they emerge from the pandemic, Decatur City Manager Andrea Arnold said $977,000. ding older relatives like college students, adults with “This American rescue plan has enabled us to disabilities, parents and grandparents.,” Berkman in an email. Tucker is still weighing what the influx of money put up and continue our vaccine program as well said. as COVID testing in the community right now,” said The IRS will use available information to deter- will mean for the city. “We are still gathering information on what the Jeff Taylor, CEO of MedCura Health, during the panel mine if someone is eligible to receive the stimulus discussion. “We are providing those services at South check. They will use the 2020 tax return if filed, or American Rescue Plan will mean for the city of Tu- cker,” Tucker Mayor Frank Auman told the Tucker DeKalb Mall.” the 2019 tax return if a 2020 tax return has not been The medical center hopes to vaccinate as many submitted or processed. Observer. “At this point, our staff is developing prio- rities and this will certainly be a part of our budget people as possible, which Taylor said is a large under- Federal beneficiaries, like those who receive So- taking. MedCura Health is in the planning stages of cial Security benefits and benefits through the Vete- discussions for FY ’22. Our staff did an excellent job in allocating funds from the CARES Act last year and opening up multiple vaccination sites. rans Administration, will automatically get a stimu- The federal assistance has also helped MedCura lus check if they are not required to file a tax return, they will be ready to do the same with the American Rescue Plan.” Health remain open and operating. Berkman said. “Many businesses have closed down and one like The good news, Berkman said, is that Social Se- Cities and counties will be able to spend the American Rescue Plan money over two years which ours certainly is vulnerable during this time but we curity beneficiaries who don’t file tax returns should are still available to provide primary care services to have received the stimulus payment through direct will provide an opportunity to align city, county and school board priorities in a way that ensures equity the community,” Taylor said. deposit on Wednesday, April 7, and those checks will The Federal Emergency Management Agency is be mailed later this week. for the county, County Commissioner Ted Terry said. “We must address the emergency needs of food also operating a vaccination site at Mercedes Benz Those who get benefits through the VA will also Stadium in partnership with the state, Fulton County receive their stimulus payment by direct deposit next and housing assistance, while also shoring up go- vernment services that have been impacted by the and the city of Atlanta. week, she added. “We’re committed to the equitable distribution In order to get the stimulus check, individuals pandemic, and launch new programs that will fully support our students, teachers and parents as they of the vaccine,” said Terry Quarles, recovery division must file a tax return. If someone didn’t receive the director for FEMA. “Our top priority is to ensure that previous stimulus payments or felt they receive the transition back to the classroom,” Terry said. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, along everyone who wants a vaccination can get one. Ex- incorrect amount, they must file a 2020 tax return to panding this vaccination center allows Atlanta to claim the recovery rebate credit, Berkman said. with Johnson, advocated for the passage of the Ame- rican Rescue Plan. Ossoff and Warnock worked to in- help make this happen.” Funding for cities and counties clude direct funding for cities and counties. At the stadium 42,000 doses are administered Counties and cities will receive direct payments “For the first time, this aid will flow directly to lo- each week, Quarles said. under the American Rescue Plan. Within Georgia’s calities with populations under half a million,” Ossoff Emory Healthcare also has a vaccination center at fourth Congressional district, counties will recei- said. “In the CARES Act, the aid went to the state, the Northlake Mall and two weeks ago reached the miles- ve $258 million. DeKalb County will receive $147.36 Governor’s office, and mostly to the city of Atlanta; tone of delivering 100,000 doses by providing vacci- million, Gwinnett County will get $181.6 million, smaller localities did not get direct aid. We banded nes to the healthcare community and patients. Rockdale is set to receive $17.6 million and Newton together to fix that to ensure that, not just the smaller While local officials highlighted the vaccination County will get $21.7 million, Johnson said. cities like Decatur, and Tucker, and Clarkston, but effort, Christy Norman, vice president of pharmacy Additionally, Fulton County has been allocated also counties and smaller towns will get this direct services at Emory Healthcare, said only about 26% of $206.34 million and the city of Atlanta will receive support.” the eligible population in the state has received one $178.39 million. dose and 13.4% has received both doses of the two In DeKalb County, cities in the Decaturish.com Funding for schools dose series, which is about 4.3 million people. / Tucker Observer coverage area will receive the The school districts will benefit from the relief “If you look at those numbers compared to the na- following amounts through the American Rescue plan as well. Atlanta Public Schools will receive $193 tional percentages, the US is at 32.6% of the popula- Plan: million, City Schools of Decatur will get $2.5 million tion receiving one dose and 19% being fully vaccina- – Avondale Estates, $990,000 and DeKalb County Schools has been allocated $320.6 ted,” Norman said. “So Georgia is somewhat, actually – Clarkston, $3.98 million million. second from last currently in the number of indivi- – Decatur, $8.1 million DeKalb County schools were reluctant to return to duals being vaccinated per our 100,000 population of – Stone Mountain, $1.98 million in-person learning at first but some students joined eligible individuals.” – Tucker, $11.47 million their teachers face to face on March 9 in a hybrid lear- Early on in the vaccine rollout there were some The cities haven’t received their allocations yet ning model, said Vickie Turner, chair of the DeKalb delays in reporting vaccine data which impacted the and are waiting for direction on how the money can County Board of Education, during the panel discus- vaccine allocations the state received but those issues sion. have been reconciled, Norman said.
24 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Clarkston dissolves the Clarkston Development Authority
By Zoe Seiler, contributor feels she may have been given an inordinate amount “The nominations that are in place can stay in pla- of power over the city. ce as far as I’m concerned,” Johnson told the Tucker Clarkston, Ga. — The Clarkston Development Au- “But I feel like the public, the residents are very Observer. thority has been dissolved. The City Council made leery at this point of a few people on the council ha- Johnson explained that former Mayor Ted Terry the decision in a 4-1 vote during the March 2 regular ving too much control and having the authority over was allowed to nominate three people to the CDA. For meeting and the measure passed the Georgia General every square foot of the his third selection, he nominated his girlfriend at mi- Assembly on March 31. city,” Hopkins said. “So that dnight on the day he stepped down from being mayor. The plan is for the city to activate a standard down- is my concern and if we “A lot of people didn’t like it, but it was still his no- town development authority. could change just that por- mination to make and it was still in the proper time In 2017, the City Council established the Clarkston tion without having to go to frame so no one had an issue with it,” Johnson said. “I Development Authority which had seven members, the state legislature, I wou- didn’t think no one had an issue with it until I heard three of which were council members. The CDA was ld be comfortable with that, the comment.” enacted by the state legislature as it was different from but I don’t think we can.” The legislative process was also a concern raised a standard development authority that all cities in the Councilwoman Debra throughout City Council meetings because the city state have the automatic right to create. The standard Johnson is on the Clarkston would have to ask the Georgia General Assembly for version only allows one city council member to serve Development Authority and approval any time they would want to modify the CDA. on the board. she brought the issue to the Concerns were also mentioned about the being able to The City Council, at the time, wanted to make sure council after attending DDA pass the dissolution in the General Assembly so close it had other voices on the CDA versus just having one Beverly Burks training. to the end of the legislative session. member serve on the CDA, Mayor Beverly Burks told “The primary concern “So now we got to go ask them to limit the num- the Tucker Observer. that I had was the makeup of the CDA,” Johnson told ber of council members, limit the locations, so at this “But having three, the number three is not such a the Tucker Observer. “I went to DDA training as one of point, instead of making all of those modifications we good idea, especially since then if it’s brought to the the council members on the [CDA] and they kept re- felt, since nothing has actually been enforced with our council all they need is one [more] vote for anything ferring to Clarkson as being unique, basically telling CDA right now, we felt it would be better to not create to pass,” Burks said. “So that’s, in terms of when you me that what I was learning in DDA training was not anything and then use what we already have in place think about engaging the council, having those discus- what we had.” [from the Georgia Municipal Association],” Johnson sions, that’s not a good way to have it either.” Her concern with the makeup of the CDA revolved said. The CDA was meant to focus on the downtown around having three council members on the board Councilman Jamie Carroll cast the dissenting vote area, but the final version of the document approved and was not related to specific board members. and said it doesn’t make sense to tear down the CDA by the General Assembly included boundaries that co- The CDA is made up of seven members and the and start over when all members have been selected vered the entire city and the council members don’t City Council has six members so about half of each and most have gone through training. know how that change occurred. entity was City Council members. “I voted no because one, I think it’s better to have a “I’ll put it to you very bluntly since I sponsored it, “So having three people on our CDA with full reign CDA that covers all of Clarkston, as opposed to just the that’s not what I sponsored,” Burks said at the Feb. 12 of the entire city of Clarkston is dangerous because downtown area, because that allows for more efficient staff retreat. “Let’s just be clear, that is not what was by the time it comes to council, we have to approve planning, especially since Clarkston is such a small originally sent out and if you go and look at all of the everything on council, three of the council members geographic area,” Carroll said in an email. information in terms of where the authority would are already persuaded because it’s either their idea or He added that he doesn’t think concerns about a have dominion, that wasn’t in that. I don’t know when they’re along with the idea from the previous members runaway CDA are valid as projects would have to be or how it got changed, I don’t know, or who changed of the CDA,” Johnson said. approved by the City Council for funding and the CDA it.” She added that if a vote on the City Council comes members have staggered terms so “a council majority The Clarkston Development Authority has not to a tie then Burks would break the tie and Johnson would have to win multiple elections to control both been activated yet. All members have been appointed, didn’t want to put that pressure on the mayor. the CDA and the council,” Carroll said. but bylaws have not been written, officers have not Residents raised concerns at the Feb. 23 work ses- The City Council plans to create a standard down- been selected and the board hasn’t held any meetings. sion that this action was meant to get rid of one CDA town development authority and two seats will have The City Council decided the CDA wasn’t serving member in particular as Vice Mayor Awet Eyasu said to be filled, if the members of the CDA serve on the the city in the way they intended and council mem- at the staff retreat that he felt the CDA got convoluted downtown development authority. The council will bers raised concerns about having three council mem- with the previous appointments. also have to decide if a council member or the mayor bers on the CDA and about the jurisdiction being over But Johnson said that was not the case or an issue. will serve on the DDA. the entire city. Eyasu also said at the Feb. 23 work session that the ac- “I am for us moving forward with developing our A lot of trust has been violated, Councilmember tion is not being taken due to specific CDA members community and I support our council,” Burks said. Laura Hopkins said at the staff retreat, adding that she and the main reason was that the CDA had been chan- “Again, we’re excited to do whatever we can to look ged throughout the approval process. towards new development in Clarkston.” City of Decatur to begin Church Street cycle track project
By Dan Whisenhunt, editor For a summary of all the work planned for these roads, click here to read the article online. Decatur, Ga. — This summer the city of Decatur will begin work on a two- “General objectives of this project are to provide safer gateways for pedes- -year project to install a cycle track on both sides of Church Street, reducing the trians and bicyclists to and from downtown Decatur and better facilities for pe- road from four lanes to two. destrians and bicyclists along the Church Street corridor,” the city’s summary of The project will begin at Commerce Drive and will connect to the cycle track the project says. “Goals include reducing road widths at intersections to shorten there, Assistant City Manager David Junger said. the time needed to cross the street and providing wider sidewalks, bicycle paths “It should be quite a nice improvement,” Junger said. and multi-use trails on Church Street to create a safe and pleasant experience Junger did not have any information about the total cost of the project. De- for bicyclists of all ages and abilities, from the family-oriented, recreational bi- puty City Manager Hugh Saxon is overseeing it and he’s off this week. cyclist to the serious cyclist.” In a previous email, Saxon said, “Bids were received for this project in Mar- The cycle track on Commerce Drive proved to be controversial with some ch and a construction contract should be awarded by early May. Construction residents and visitors to Decatur. City commissioners listened to more than an should commence in late June/early July and last 20-24 months.” hour of public comments for and against the cycle track during a meeting in The Church Street improvements have been under consideration since at 2017, but declined to reconsider it. People said the plans for Commerce Drive least 2012, and years ago the city implemented a temporary road diet on Church caught them by surprise. But numerous cyclists also showed up in support of Street near Glenlake Park. When it’s completed, there will be cycle tracks on the project. Church Street from Commerce to Forkner Drive, about one mile of road. The city completed the Commerce Drive cycle track in 2020. The project also include work on Commerce Drive and Clairmeont Avenue. To see the plans for the Church Street cycle track, click here.
25 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 26 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 DeKalb Health Director Elizabeth Ford taking job with Biden administration
BY DAN WHISENHUNT, EDITOR
Decatur, Ga. — Dr. S Elizabeth Ford, district health director with the DeKalb Board of Health, is leaving her post to take a job in President Biden’s administration. DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson made the announcement in a Facebook post. Johnson said, “We’ll miss Dr. Ford in @ItsIn- DeKalb ! She‘s done a great job at @HealthyDeKalb & worked on behalf of our communities. Now she’s headed to the @WhiteHouse to work for communi- ties across this nation! Join us in wishing Dr. Ford well as she joins the Biden Administration!” A spokesperson for the Board of Health said, “I can confirm that Dr. Ford accepted a position in the Biden Administration as the Special Assistant to the President for Public Health and Science in the Domestic Policy Council. Her last day with the DeKalb County Board of Heath will be April 23. Dr. Sandra Valenciano will be our interim district health director. She currently serves as the medical director of the Board of Health’s Community Health & Prevention Services (CHAPS) division.” DeKalb County Board of Health District Health Director Sandra Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.P., speaks before the first Ford has held her post in DeKalb County since frontline workers with the board of health receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the T. O. Vinson Health Center Auditorium on Winn Way in 2005. Decatur on Dec. 31, 2020. Photo by Dean Hesse. According to the National Association of County and City Health Officials, “A board-certified pedia- trician, Dr. Ford has served as the District Health and improved nutrition. More recently the agency statewide policies and legislation and enforce pu- Director and Chief Executive Officer of the DeKalb received a Minority Youth Violence Prevention: blic health laws and regulations. Dr. Ford received County Board of Health since February 2005. She Integrating Public Health and Community Policing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stanford manages a diverse array of public health programs Approaches grant from DHHS and the U.S. De- University, a medical degree from Howard Univer- that serve over 730,000 people who live in the coun- partment of Justice aimed at curbing violence and sity’s College of Medicine and a master’s degree ty, with is part of the metro Atlanta area.” improving the health and well-being of underser- in Business Administration with a concentration Here’s some more information about Ford, ved and distressed communities. The agency also in Health Services Administration from Howard provided by NACCHO: recently received a Racial and Ethnic Approaches University’s Graduate School of Business. She is a Under Dr. Ford’s leadership, the DeKalb County to Community Health (REACH) grant from the U.S. fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Board of Health has successfully applied for more Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Ford has been a member of NACCHO since than $15 million in federal funds to address health Dr. Ford was asked to serve as the Acting Direc- 2006 and has served on the Membership Committee disparities, including $5.6 million from the U.S. De- tor of the Georgia Department of Community Heal- for many years, first as a member and currently partment of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to th’s Division of Public Health during the agency’s as its Chair. In 2017, she was elected as an at-large promote smoke-free environments, physical fitness reorganization in 2008, where she helped to develop member of NACCHO’s Board of Directors. Stone Mountain residents pitch city on parks improvements
By Patrick Saunders, contributor At VFW Park, they favored installing a walking track, making the restrooms ADA compliant, adding parking, adding a children’s play area and equipment, Stone Mountain, Ga. — The results are in for a public survey of Stone and adding barbecue grills. Mountain residents on improvements for the city’s four parks. The council needs to come up with a plan with a cost estimate for the full Residents ranked the top five improvements needed at each park. scope of the project next, according to City Manager ChaQuias Miller-Thorn- “It is our goal to have council review what has been submitted and to see if ton. we can get at least the first three items on each list,” City Councilmember Gina In other news from Tuesday’s meeting, the council voted unanimously to Cox said at Tuesday’s council work session. appoint attorney Kristal Holmes as city solicitor. Holmes replaces Ottanya At McCurdy Park, residents favored repairing and improving the buildings Clark, who recently resigned. and restrooms, replacing the children’s play area that was destroyed, address- The council voted unanimously to approve a contract with Atlanta Sound- ing safety issues involving the creek and children, replacing the wood stairs works to upgrade the city’s streaming video system. from the parking lot with concrete stairs and more parking. The council’s 2021 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is developing At Randolph Medlock Park, they want the parking lot improved, the re- a public portal and survey for residents to weigh in with their priorities. The strooms improved, children’s play equipment added, the picnic shelter repaired Georgia Department of Community Affairs requires cities to complete such and improved, better security and cameras, and the concession stand repaired plans every five years. and improved. A virtual public event about the Comprehensive Plan is in the works for At Leila Mason Park, residents want the bathrooms renovated, a walking June. trail around the perimeter, seating at the playground, more equipment for The 2021 season of the city’s farmer’s market will begin on June 8 and run children, and the picnic pavilion improved. until Aug. 31. The city has 12 vendors so far, four of whom are new this year.
27 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 DeKalb Elections Board’s Baoky Vu responds to GOP censure NEWS IN BRIEF Decatur, Ga. — The DeKalb County Republican Party censured a longstanding member on April 17 in Drumz N’ Flatz brings baked wings, Kirkwood Urban Forest bridge a move they call “a simple and unanimous decision.” burned; officials seek information The group denounced Baoky Vu, the vice chair of vegan fare to Stone Mountain DeKalb County Elections Board who will comple- te his term in June, asking him to resign from his Stone Mountain, Ga. — Health-conscious chick- position. en wings have arrived in Stone Mountain with the Atlanta, Ga. — On Thurs., Apr. 15, the Kirkwood Vu signed a letter in February, along with mem- opening of the new restaurant Drumz N’ Flatz. Urban Forest pedestrian bridge was burned; emer- bers of the DeKalb County Elections Board, speaking Local real estate brokers John and Stacey Arthur gency crews responded and put out the fire. The out against Georgia’s legislation to suppress voter launched the new spot last month at 5370 Stone Kirkwood Neighbors Organization (KNO) is seeking participation. Fellow Republican and board member Mountain Highway. information related to this fire and requesting mo- Anthony Lewis did not add his name to the letter. “We wanted to make sure that we were providing netary donations to rebuild the bridge, according to In a letter to DeKalb GOP, Vu identified himself something healthy and some vegan options as well,” a press release from KNO. as a “pro-Democracy Republican, a proud Georgian Stacey told The Tucker Observer. “Frying is not al- Atlanta 911 received two calls reporting a fire and an American concerned about our Republic.” He ways the best, so we experimented with the baking at the Rogers Street entrance to Kirkwood Urban said secure elections and voting rights should not be and it was pretty successful.” Forest, before 5:00 a.m. EDT on Apr. 15. Police and a partisan issue. The Arthurs also own Stone Mountain catering fire crews responded, and Engine 18 put out the Marci McCarthy, newly-elected DeKalb GOP chair, business Jerk Fusion Café. It took a while to make fire. The case is now being handled by Lt. Douglas gave Decaturish this statement: Drumz N’ Flatz a reality. of the Atlanta Fire Investigation Unit. If neighbors “Baoky Vu was censured by the DeKalb GOP as he “This has been four-and-a-half years in the mak- have any information that could be beneficial to this was the sole Republican who stood with the DeKalb ing,” Stacey said. “It just happened that everything case, they should reach out to Lt. Douglas directly at Democrats against SB202, enabling them to call their aligned and this was the right time.” 470-421-5552 and reference case number #21023832. anti-election integrity proclamation bi-partisan. True Picking Stone Mountain as the location was a “I was very disappointed to see countless hours Republicans put America First and not themselves. no-brainer. of volunteer labor and thousands of dollars in ma- Censuring is not intended as a personal attack or “We’ve been in the Snellville-Stone Mountain terials be turned to char, but I am eternally grateful repudiation, but as Georgians prepare for a highly area for approximately 15 years,” Stacey said. “So we that no one was hurt,” said Katie Kissel, KNO Presi- contested election cycle, we deserve to be represen- figured if we were going to do something like this, dent. “Things can be replaced. People cannot.” ted by Republican leaders that reflect the priorities of we would start at home and move forward from The pedestrian bridge to access the Kirkwood the Republican voters, and Mr. Vu demonstrated on there.” Urban Forest was built in 2016-2017 by Kirkwood multiple occasions that he does not. It was a simple The Drumz N’ Flatz menu includes 12 different Neighbors Organization (KNO) in partnership with and unanimous decision.” wing flavors, sandwiches, bowls, salads and sides. Stryant Construction. It was funded through the McCarthy was a 2020 delegate at the Republican Beer and wine is available, and the Arthurs are neighborhood as well as a matching grant from Park National Convention, and sat on the Voter Review applying for their liquor license next. Pride. The project took several years to plan, finance Panel for DeKalb GOP in June, August and November “Our most popular [wing flavors] are our candy and build and was truly a labor of love which is 2020. Before the DeKalb Elections board, McCarthy blaze, irie jerk and lemon drop wet,” Stacey said. why seeing it destroyed is so disheartening for all challenged the legitimacy of 4,113 voters in Decem- “In addition to that our salmon sliders seem to have involved. ber 2020. been a big hit.” Donations are welcome to help rebuild the bri- Speaking for voting rights and election integrity, The only hiccup since opening has been finding dge, by donating on the KNO website: https://www. Vu said he doesn’t consider himself a hero. He’s just workers. historickirkwood.org/kirkwood-urban-forest-bridge. someone who wants to do the right thing. “Because of the stimulus, there’s not a lot of The estimated repair costs are $25,000+. — Logan C. Ritchie, contributor motivation to go to work right now,” Stacey said. “We know that’s going to pass but we are hopeful that in — Alex Brown, contributor due time and with our salary ranges we are paying, we know we’ll have workers on a more consistent Kirkwood considers bringing basis pretty soon.” COVID-19 precautions include hand sanitizer Lush Plant Co. moves to new back scaled-down Spring Fling throughout, a mask requirement except when eating location in Oakhurst or drinking, and increased sanitation. Atlanta, Ga. — A recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions on certain events in Atlanta has opened They’ve also cut the indoor seating from 80 to 40, Decatur, Ga. — Lush Plant Co. has moved to the door for the possible return of the popular Kirk- plus 12 seats outside. a new location in Oakhurst. The address is 317 W. And the Arthurs have expansion on their minds. wood Spring Fling. Hill Street, Rear. Decatur, GA 30030 in the Elizabeth Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an They’re eyeing locations in Atlanta and Cum- Wilson Community House. ming first, then Alabama, South Carolina and John’s executive order last month allowing outdoor events “Lush Plant Co. opened its doors last August in a with under 2,000 people after May 15. Bottoms hometown of Miami, Fla. small, light-filled spaced inside of Scout Oakhurst,” But first the focus is growing business in Stone banned any public gathering with over 50 people the company says. “The plant shop has been offer- last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing Mountain. ing a hand-picked selection of indoor plants and “It’s been wonderful,” Stacey said. “People are the cancellation of the 2020 Spring Fling. accessories like ceramic pots, baskets, plant stands, The Kirkwood Neighbors Organization voted loving it. We’re gaining more and more newbies that watering cans, soil and plant-themed goods like are coming in. They’re absolutely loving it.” unanimously in support of seeking a festival permit cards, jewelry, books, and face masks. It wasn’t long for a scaled-down Spring Fling at its monthly meet- Drumz N’ Flatz is just the latest Black-owned before the owners of Lush realized they would need business to arrive in Stone Mountain. Candace ing on Saturday. more space to meet the needs of their customers.” “We’re in a position now where we can consider Walker plans to open the bookstore and wine bar The new space is easily accessible, the company The Vibrary at 970 Main Street in May. whether it makes sense to hold some form of a fes- says. tival this year,” said Spring Fling Committee Chair “There is plenty of parking in front of, and — Patrick Saunders, contributor Andrew Feury. around the new location,” the company says. “The Among the changes proposed, the event would store will continue to offer curbside pickup and free have a reduced footprint, distanced seating and in- delivery within 3 miles of the shop; orders can be creased sanitation requirements. There would be no placed on the website at www.lushplantco.com. To kids’ area, no Tour of Homes, no BBQ competition ensure our staff and customers’ safety and well-be- and no alcohol sales. And the popular 5K would be ing, face masks will be required, and a limit of six limited to less than 600 runners. customers in the shop at any given time. Lush Plant The ban on alcohol sales is part of Bottoms’ exec- Co. is a cashless operation and accepts all major utive order. But KNO officials will consider allowing credit/debit cards, and Venmo.” food trucks to sell alcohol, which they’ve restricted in past years because it cut into festival profits. — Dan Whisenhunt, editor — Patrick Saunders, contributor
28 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: BANJO COFFEE BY ZOE SEILER, CONTRIBUTOR
Avondale Estates, Ga. — About seven years ago, Billy and Chasidy Atchison moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta and thought of opening a food truck or cart. Both were looking for a change in career, so they started experimenting with cold brew. “It was kind of like the ‘mason jar on the kitchen table’ kind of thing and it just kept iterating that, and Billy was training for an ultra marathon at the time,” Chasidy said. Cold brew was Billy’s workout fuel. After a few long runs, he began to think cold brew should be the business idea, which then evolved into Banjo Coffee. Banjo Coffee has two sides to it. One aspect of the business is production, which involves canning and kegging cold brew, as well as distributing it throu- ghout the Southeast for stores like Whole Foods and other local accounts. Billy and Chasidy Atchison opened Banjo Coffee about four years ago along North Avondale Road. While looking for a new production space that was going to function similar- The owners served guests outside on March 22 as they experienced a water outage that has since been ly to a brewery with coffee, the pair learned about a cafe in Avondale that was for resolved. Photo by Zoe Seiler. sale. The space had been a coffee shop for 13 years, but made a quick turnaround to any gas station in the South you’ve seen that heat lamp with the gas station into becoming Banjo Coffee. biscuits and bologna going on,” Billy said. “So the coffee shop’s about four years old and I’m not sure that we ever knew But Banjo Coffee’s version of the biscuits is like a farm to table version of the exactly what was going to be the long term here, but we love it,” Chasidy said. dish, Chasidy said. “We love having a headquarters in the community and we actually live about a The biscuits are made in house every morning and Pine Street Market provi- mile from the shop, so our whole world is here.” des fresh meat for the biscuits. Billy and Chasidy hope to bring back their lunch Banjo Coffee launched cold brew in Atlanta before Starbucks had the beve- over the summer and bring back sandwiches, salads, healthy grab-and-go op- rage and before people really knew what it was, Chasidy said. The pair realized tions. that since they were making cold brew they weren’t going to make it through the The owners also focus on using organic and local products. winter months. “About 80 to 90% just depending on the month is sourced locally from ven- Banjo Coffee now offers a variety of iced and hot coffee and tea drinks and dors around Atlanta and Georgia and local farmers,” Billy said. “On the coffee innovative flavors. The cold brew process takes about 18 to 24 hours. side, we partnered with Cafe Campesino, who is Georgia’s only organic fair trade “As the coffee is brewing, it releases a lot more of the roundness of the fla- roaster.” vor profile of it while extracting about 70% less acidity,” Billy said. “So it’s really Billy and Chasidy had no experience working in coffee shops before they smooth, really flavorful.” began operating one and Billy said it has shown. After the coffee is brewed, it is put in a keg and supercharged with nitrogen. “But in a way it’s shown that we knew how to be scrappy and be sort of re- “It produces that really creamy body that gives you even more of a silky silient and bounce around and figure out how to land on our feet many times,” smoothness to the drink that really goes along with the low acidity and flavor,” Billy said. “That actually helped us last year with COVID because we were so Billy said. used to pivoting as we developed whatever small business we were developing, Variations of flavors are offered during the different seasons, like a chai spice that last year was just another year to pivot.” with fall season flavors such as cardamom, clove and vanilla bean. During a weekend in March 2020, when the state shut down, Chasidy located In the spring, Banjo Coffee has a honeysuckle latte which is vanilla and ho- herself in a room and created their plan to pivot. She created the e-commerce ney in a nitro brew. The shop also gets fresh peaches in the spring and summer side of the business, as well as delivery and curbside services. and turns them into a peaches and cream latte. The coffee shop delivers within a five-mile radius of the store. Orders can The cold brew and hibiscus tea can also be bought in cans at the coffee shop now be placed online and the orders go directly to the shop’s register. and other stores. The newest flavor of cold brew has cacao nibs and vanilla bean “Inside, we have all of the precautions,” Chasidy said. “One party at a time [is brewed with the coffee, giving it a rich dark chocolate mocha flavor without -ad allowed inside]. Everybody is required to wear masks. We have plexiglass up in ding any sugar. front of the register area. There’s no loitering, you have to grab it and go.” Before COVID-19 hit, Banjo Coffee had a lunch menu that was more focused The owners priorities were to make sure that their staff was safe and that on dining in with items like avocado toast. But the Atchisons are working out they could continue to safely serve the public in the way it needed to be served, the lunch menu to provide something more substantial, something similar to Chasidy said. comfort food. So they launched their breakfast burrito. Banjo Coffee is located at 38 N. Avondale Road and is open from 7 a.m. to 4 “Recently we launched our gas station biscuits, which if you’ve ever traveled p.m. every day. Black-owned brewery Hippin’ Hops expanding to East Lake
By Patrick Saunders, contributor Donnica and her husband Clarence Boston are cheesesteaks, then open up another Hippin’ Hops opening Hippin’ Hops Brewery & Oyster Bar on Glen- down the road, which would be Hippin’ Hops Brew Atlanta, Ga. — Georgia’s first Black-owned brick- wood Avenue in East Atlanta Village later this month & Burger, and then we want to do a taco place,” and-mortar brewery Hippin’ Hops is expanding from once the city of Atlanta approves its liquor license. Clarence said. East Atlanta to a second location in East Lake this Then they hope to open the East Lake location by The East Lake location will brew beer and distill summer. June. vodka, gin, whiskey and bourbon, plus moonshine in The East Lake Neighbors Community Association “I don’t know because it all depends on how the winter. The East Lake permitting process should unanimously approved the business’s liquor license quickly the paperwork and permits and everything go faster than the East Atlanta one, according to application at its monthly meeting on Monday. go through,” Donnica said. Clarence. Neighborhood Planning Unit O will need to approve The East Lake location is larger than the East “The good thing about this location is it’s a per- the application next at its meeting later this month Atlanta one, according to Clarence. mitted use and everyone seems to be excited about before final approval with the city of Atlanta. “We’ll definitely have a lot more to offer than our it,” he said. Hippin’ Hops new spot will be located at 2380 East Atlanta Village location,” he said. “In East Lake The East Lake location of Hippin’ Hops will have a Hosea Williams Drive across the street from Poor we want to focus a little more on the food.” rough inspection on April 20. Hendrix.“We’re looking forward to being part of the The Bostons aren’t stopping at two Hippin’ Hops “Everyone’s really looking forward to you joining neighborhood,” owner Donnica Boston said at the locations either. East Lake at the Hosea and 2nd quadrant,” ELNCA ELNCA meeting. “At [the East Lake] location, we want to focus on member Lisa Walker told the Bostons.
29 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Atlanta Breakfast Club buys Le Petit Marche, promises not to change a thing
By Dan Whisenhunt, editor
Atlanta, Ga. — The news that Le Petit Marche was closing its doors after 13 years disappointed longtime customers of the Kirkwood breakfast and brunch spot on Hosea L. Williams Drive. But the owner, Marchet Sparks, told Decaturish on April 12 that the restaurant will live on under new ownership. “The most amazing thing happened,” she said. “After deciding to close, Le Petit Marche was bought and will be re-opening under new ownership from the team at Atlanta Breakfast Club.” The Atlanta Breakfast Club, on Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard, is owned by Chef Anthony Sanders and Osiris Ballard. Sparks also shared the announcement video with Decaturish: “Life is full of beautiful surprises and I for one have a surprise for you,” Sparks said. She said she’s known the Atlanta Breakfast Club owners for a long time and she asked if they’d be interested in filling the void her restaurant would leave behind in Kirkwood. Left to right: Chef Anthony Sanders, Marchet Sparks, and Osiris Ballard. Photo provided to Decaturish They said they weren’t interested in replacing her res- taurant with theirs, but said they would like to buy the ambassador” and she would still be around the restau- years giving everyone here in Kirkwood such inspira- restaurant and keep everything exactly the way it is. rant. tion, something to look forward to, a staple, and it’s “They’re going to be taking over operations and “It is a pleasure for us to be in such a beautiful our pleasure to keep that staple going, to keep the le- keeping the dream alive,” Sparks said. “Your favorites place with such a rich history and our goal will be gend growing. And we’re so thankful she’ll be with us will remain, the plates will still be chipped, the chairs to keep everything the same,” Ballard said. “Not even still as a brand ambassador, she will grace us with her will still be mismatched, the vibe will still be funk and the grass on the sidewalk will change. We’re grateful presence on an ongoing basis.” fun and family-filled.” and we’re thankful to be in such a place with so much There will be a soft opening in the next few weeks Ballard said Sparks would be retained as a “brand history. Marchet has done a great job over the last 13 and a grand reopening of Le Petit Marche on June 1.
Andersson Gardens, other new businesses open in Avondale Estates
By Zoe Seiler, contributor than planting all of them in her own yard. Andersson Gardens can also be found at the “I had a couple of palm trees, so I put them on Avondale Estates Farmers Market on Sundays Avondale Estates, Ga. — New businesses are Facebook marketplace and I got no less than 100 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. coming to Avondale and several have opened since responses,” Andersson said. “I went back the next the beginning of the year, like Andersson Gardens. day. I bought all their palm trees and I sold them A variety of other businesses have also opened Marjorie Andersson and her husband opened out in a day.” in the city recently, including: Andersson Gardens in March with a goal to su- The business started out as a side gig and a • 37 Main pport local gardeners in the area and meet their hobby but grew into a full time job after Anders- • Dependable Tires needs. Andersson has received a positive response son lost her corporate job in September 2020. • Easter Seals North Georgia from the community since opening. Andersson Gardens has a variety of plants • Eclectic Hair Studio “We’ve sold more than I would have expected,” available from annuals to azaleas to edibles and • Feather Nail Bar Andersson said about the first week of business. perennials. Andersson’s focus is mainly on the pe- • Gaal Homes “The community is just so happy to have a nur- rennials that come back year after year. • Globe Studios sery in Avondale because a lot of people will drive “I want to make gardening easy but still have • My Fair Sweets 45 minutes outside of Atlanta to go and buy their high quality, unique plants for people,” Andersson • One Shot Wellness plants. They’re just so grateful to have a spot right said. • Puff Smoke Shop here in town where they can get high quality plan- Andersson Gardens is set up in a way to make it • Shades of Green Permaculture ts at a reasonable cost.” easy for people to pick out plants with sections for • Spectrum Performance The Avondale Estates resident started to do sun, shade and a combination of sun and shade. • Taylor’d BBQ more work in her garden last year, like many So if a customer doesn’t know where to begin but • Travis Gilday, State Farm others, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But Anders- knows they have a lot of sun in their yard, then • Village Music son couldn’t find any unusual or interesting plants they can choose plants from the sun section, An- • Wechsler Engineering at stores like Home Depot or Walmart. dersson said. I started looking around and I found a lot of Andersson is also available to answer ques- Additionally, more businesses will be opening really interesting farms and wholesale nurseries tions and point customers in the right direction. in Avondale soon, including: but I couldn’t get in because I wasn’t a landscaper,” “The other good thing about being a small, in- • Avondale Pharmacy Andersson said. “I actually decided to get my busi- dependent nursery is that you do get that indivi- • Common Root Farmer’s Market ness license and my live plant license and become dual one-on-one attention when you come here,” • Daisy Day Florist a business simply so I could get into these farms Andersson said. • Decatur Yoga & Pilates and wholesale nurseries and all of that.” Andersson Gardens is located at 2832 Washin- • Flippin Pizza She loaded up on plants at Saul’s Nurseries af- gton Street and is open Tuesday through Sunday • Little Cottage Brewery ter she got her business license. On the way home, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is available in front • Shady Grove Landscape Andersson thought about selling the plants rather of the shop and across the street. • Simply Admissions
30 DECATURISH.COM | MAY 2021 Decatur resident co-founds 42 West Entertainment Group in Atlanta By Zoe Seiler, contributor
Decatur, Ga. — The film and entertainment industry is making a comeback in Decatur as the city is being used as a filming location and a Deca- tur resident collaborates on a new event space. 42 West Entertainment Group is set to begin operating in May as a high-end event space, but with a slight twist. Decatur resident Lauren Pelissier and former Atlanta Hawks player Kevin Willis are teaming up to open the entertainment group, but are also focusing on giving back to their community. The two crossed paths while working with the same commercial real estate agent. Pelissier was looking for an event location and Willis was looking for a space to use as a retail space for his clothing line. The real estate agent found a warehouse that was too big for Pelissier and Willis individually, so he introduced them to each other to see if Pelissier wanted to sublet the space from Willis. “In doing that Kevin and I instantly had a great rapport and because we both come from a philan- thropic-minded way of operating our lives, it all 42West: 42 West Entertainment Group, owned by Decatur resident Lauren Pelissier and former Atlanta Hawks player Kevin Willis, is set to kind of fell into place very quickly,” Pelissier said. open in May and will be a high-end event space with a focus on giving back to the community. The rendering of the space shows one of the “There were a lot of obviously spoken conversa- many events the space could be used for. Photo submitted by Mitch Leff. tions but our unspoken goals are the same. So we decided to join forces instead of me just being a on an event and who want to do so, Pelissier and May and will be located at 1088 Huff Road NW in subletter of his space, it very quickly morphed into Willis could create a space that caters to those Atlanta. Pelissier is looking forward to the model us partnering and doing this center together.” clients while having a good mixture of giving back, she and Willis have set up for their business. Willis added that the venture was a no-brainer Pelissier said. “I’m looking forward to being successful in an for him as it provided an opportunity for him to “We’ve positioned ourselves where it has a high industry that I’m very, very passionate about and have an impact on the community. dollar rent number, so that we can, again, leave creating this successful model where at the day “When we put this partnership together, again, space for nonprofits to use the money at either no we are giving back,” Pelissier said. “I think that’s it was a perfect fit and I think giving back to the cost or at a very, very reduced cost,” Pelissier said. the most exciting thing for me, nothing will make community, creating business opportunities for “That is not a model of any event space that I can me happier than seeing a group in this space that ourselves, building relationships, that’s what it’s all think of.” doesn’t have to put their funds towards renting ven- about and that’s what we’re doing,” Willis said. 42 West also requires that each event has a ues, and it’s gonna bring me an incredible amount Making money is not always the goal, Willis certain dollar amount built into the invoice that of joy to say to a nonprofit, yes, you can use our said, adding that it’s about giving back and being will go to a charity of the clients’ choice or they can space. There’s no rental fee.” able to impact young people. Willis runs a nonprof- choose from a list of charities provided by 42 West, Willis is looking forward to making the space it, Atlanta Children’s Foundation, that works with Pelissier added. one of the hottest spots in Atlanta. foster kids, so the organization will be able to use “The model for this venue is to put a high dollar “We’re getting known for doing such an amazing the space to give the kids a platform where they can price on it for rentals and to create a situation job from the philanthropic side of it, the business express themselves in front of hundreds of people. where we’re not booked every single day of the side of it,” Willis said. “People feel good about the “[The audience] can sit back and listen to our month with mid to low end type events but we’re investment, feel good about being part of what youth communicate what they feel, what they need booked with high end events which leaves us we’ve created here, and expanding into three other and what they look to the future and go from there,” multiple days in a month to give back the venue to areas of the city and then kind of go from there.” Willis said. “Money is never the problem to make. people who don’t either have the opportunity to use The pair hope to expand and open 42 North, It’s just about doing the right thing and at the end a venue like that or don’t have the funds,” Pelissier 42 South and 42 East so the company will cover all of the day the money will come.” said. areas of greater Atlanta. Both have a philanthropic background so it was The space will be open to every event like red Pelisser said she moved from Los Angeles to De- important for the business partners to structure the carpet events, premiers, filming locations, photo catur because of the film industry. She has noticed pricing of the venue in a way that attracts high- shoots, corporate events and weddings. 42 West some pushback in the Decatur area about filming end clients and also provides opportunities to give won’t be hosting events so everything will be con- in the city as there’s chatter about filming on the back to people or nonprofits that don’t have the tracted and the events will be private. neighborhood Facebook pages, she said. opportunity to use such a venue or don’t have the “We are an inclusive venue so all are welcome,” “I think this is a really good example of what funds to do so. Pelissier said. “The only thing that we may steer happens when the film business does come to a Pelissier has worked in the event industry for clear of is probably from political stuff just because state like this,” Pelissier said. “It has a ripple effect about 20 years and has seen the large amount of our vibe is very inclusive and neutral and everyone that is very valuable. At the end of the day Decatur money that goes into events. The thought was is welcome. We don’t want to do events that will and its nonprofit organizations are going to benefit that since there are people who will spend money offend one way or another.” from this space opening.” 42 West Entertainment Group is set to open in
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